^  %:W^%^ 


UNIVERSITY  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA. 

Alcove        ^J^^i—  Shei.f  --SC^ 


M 


i 


^i^'X^f^^^ 


Form  No.  A-368 


r     »    ■^     ' 


THE  EARLY  HISTORY  OF  RALEIGH, 

THE  CAPITAL  CITY  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA. 


fl  CENTENNIAL  ADDRESS 

DELIVERED  BY  INVITATION  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  ON 

THE  CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION  OF  THE 

FOUNDATION  OF  THE  CITY, 

OCTOBER  18,  1892; 


BY 

Kemp^  F».  Battle,  LL.  D., 

professor  of  history  in  the  university  of  north  carolina. 


AND 

AN  ACCOUNT  OF  THE  CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION, 

PREPARED   BY  THE 

CHAIRMAN  OF  THE  PUBLICATION  COMMITTEE, 

AT  THE  REQUEST  OF  THE  BOARD  OF  MANAGERS. 


RALEIGH: 
Edwards  &  Broughtox,  Printers  and  Binders. 

1893. 


T  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the  Ealeigh 
Centennial  Celebration,  held  Xovember  4, 1S92,  the 
following  resolutions  were  adopted  : 

''Besolved,  That  the  grateful  thanks  of  this  Board  of 
Managers  be  tendered  in  behalf  of  the  citizens  of  Ealeigh, 
to  Hon.  Kemp  P.  Battle,  for  the  able  and  scholarly  address 
upon  the  historic  past  of  Ealeigh,  in  which  he  has  preserved 
for  us  and  our  children  so  much  of  the  wit  and  wisdom  of 
our  forefathers. 

^'EesoJved^  That  Dr.  Battle  be  requested  to  furnish  a  copy 
of  his  valuable  address  for  publication.'' 

The  following  gentlemen,  on  the  resolution  of  the  Board, 
were  appointed  by  the  Chair  to  prepare  and  publish  a  full 
account  of  the  Celebration  and  incidents  connected  there- 
with, and  the  Centennial  Address  and  Poem : 

C.  B.  Dexsox,  T.  E.  Jekxigax, 

JosEPHUs  Daniels,  E.  H.  Lewis, 

W.  S.  Primrose,  J.  J.  Hall, 

S.  A.  Ashe. 


At  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  of  Publication,  held  July 
12, 1893,  the  following  was  presented  by  a  sub-committee  of 
Messrs.  AV.  S.  Primrose,  S.  A.  Ashe  and  K.  H.  Lewis,  M.  D., 
and  adopted  by  the  Committee : 

Whereas,  This  Committee,  appointed  to  publish  an 
account  of  the  Centennial  Celebration  of  the  City  of  Kal- 
eigh,  appreciates  most  highly  the  unselfish  labor  which 
Capt.  C.  B.  Denson  has  bestowed  on  this  volume,  and 
desires  to  make  some  fitting  recognition  of  his  work ; 

Resolved^  That  the  thanks  of  this  Committee  are  hereby 
especially  tendered  to  Captain  Denson  for  his  valuable  ser- 
vices, so  lov^ally  and  patriotically  rendered  the  City  of  Ral- 
eigh, and  that  this  resolution  be  printed  in  the  volume,  as 
expressive  of  our  sentiments. 


RALEIGH. 


PRIZE  CENTENNIAL  POEM. 

BY   MISS  MINNIE   MAY   CURTIS,   RALEKiH,    N.    C. 

()  Raleigh  I  noble  namesake  of  a  man  of  fairest  fame, 
Our  fathers  chose  most  wisely  when  they  crowned  you  with 
his  name  I 

And  his  spirit — brave,  undaunted — seemed  to  nerve  them 
for  the  strife — 

For  the  earnest,  arduous  effort  that  brought  3^ou  into  life. 

A  hundred  years  of  patience,  of  weary  toil  and  care. 

Have  yielded  a  rich  fruitage,  have  reared  your  structure  fair. 

O  noble  State  I  be  proud  and  glad ;  rejoice  on  every  side  I 

Thy  queenly  daughter  celebrates  her  natal  day  with  pride. 

Let  loving  hands  delight  to  fling  gay  banners  to  the  breeze ; 

Let  children's  happy  voices  ring  beneath  the  spreading  trees ; 

Let  joyous  paeans  echo  from  the  mountains  to  the  sea. 

To  celebrate  with  gladness  our  day  of  jubilee ! 

For  all  that  Science,  Art  and  Skill  have  brought  us  by  the 
way ; 

For  all  that  makes  life  sAveet  and  good,  we  thank  thee. 
Lord,  to-day ; 

For  godly  shepherds  who  have  led  their  flocks  to  pastures 
fair ; 

For  skilled  physicians  Avho  have  wrought  with  never-weary- 
ing care ; 

For  statesmen  Avise,  who  framed  our  laws  with  justice  and 
with  truth ; 

For  faithful  teachers  who  have  trained  Avith  earnest  zeal  our 
youth  ; 

For  tradesmen  in  the  busy  mart ;  for  tillers  of  the  soil ; 

For  all  Avho  built  our  city  up  Avith  patient,  arduous  toil. 


O  noble  pioneers!  who  wrought  through  long  and  weary 

years. 
We  reap  with  joyful  hearts  to-day  what  you  have  sown  in 

tears  I 
AVe  know  your  happy  spirits,  in  the  blissful  realms  above, 
Are  looking  down  upon  us  now  in  tenderness  and  love. 

Iluslied  be  the  noise  of  party  strife;  contentions  die  away  I 

This  is  a  holy  festival — a  glad,  yet  solemn,  day — 

A  day  when  wrongs   should  be  forgiven,  and  bitterness 

should  cease, 
And  over  all  should  brood  in  love  the  fair,  sweet  dove  of 

peace. 
As  God  has  loved  us,  let  us  love ;  let  no  one  dwell  apart ; 
Let  one  broad  band  of  love  extend,  uniting  heart  with  heart. 
In  union  lies  our  strength,  and  we  may  win  vet  brighter 

fame 
In  years  to  come,  if  one  in  heart,  we  labor  with  one  aim. 


So  may  our  city  ever  be  a  steady  beacon  bright, 

"Whose  beams  of  purity  and  love  shine  with  far-reaching- 
light. 

So  may  the  nations  honor  us,  and  children-s  children  rise 

To  call  our  memory  blessed,  when  we've  passed  beyond  the 
skies ; 

So  may  they  celebrate  with  joy  another  hundred  years. 

And  garner  up  with  grateful  hearts,  with  happy  smiles  and 
tears, 

A  nobler  harvest ;  and  witlj  still  a  greater  pride  may  they 

Pay  homage  to  a  glorious  and  a  grand  Centennial  Day  I 


INTRODUCTORY. 

Fellow  Citizens: — Allow  me  to  explain  that  I  have  pre- 
pared this  address  under  great  disadvantages.  In  the  first 
place,  m.y  University  duties,  since  the  reception  of  the  invi- 
tation so  kindly  extended  me  by  the  Committee  of  Arrange- 
ments, have  been  very  exacting.  And  secondly  I  have  been 
embarrassed  in  endeavoring  to  avoid  repeating  substantial 
parts  of  my  centennial  address  July  4,  1876.  I  began  my 
work  with  the  hope  that  I  could  cover  the  whole  period  of 
one  hundred  years,  but  soon  found  it  impossible  to  do  so 
without  writing  a  book  instead  of  an  address.  I  concluded, 
therefore,  to  confine  myself  mainly  to  the  inauguration  of 
the  city,  and  to  the  institutions  and  leading  citizens  of  the 
first  two  decades.  Even  with  this  limitation  I  must  omit  in 
the  delivery  more  than  half  of  what  I  have  prepared. 


THE  EARLY  HISTORY  OF  RALEIGH, 

THE  CAPITAL  CITY  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA. 


THE  COI'NTY  OF  WAKE. 

The  county  of  Wake  dates  its  birth  from  troublous  times. 
The  Regulators,  whose  iusurrectionary  movements  were  prin- 
cipally in  the  middle  counties  of  the  State,  had  broken  up 
courts,  cruelly  beaten  officers  of  the  law,  and  were  threaten- 
ing to  march  on  Newbern*  and  enforce  their  demands  at  the 
rifle's  mouth.     The  Assembly  concluded  that  a  state  of  civil 
war  existed  and  determined  to  coerce  the  rebels  into  submis- 
sion.    The  militia  of  the  loyal  counties  were  ordered  to  be 
embodied.     Martial  law  was  virtually  declared.     The  safe- 
guards of  liberty  were  suspended  by  the  passage  of  the  act, 
approved  by  one  party  as  necessary  and  proper,  and  stigma- 
tized bv  the  other  as  the  "  Bloody  Bill."     It  must  have  been 
with  the  double  design  of  appeasing  the  angry  feelings  of 
the  disaffected  by  granting  them  greater  convenience  for  the 
transaction  of  public  business  w^ih  increased  representation 
in  the  Legislature,  and  of  lessening  the  opportunities  of  gath- 
ering numbers  from  wide  areas,  that  four  new  counties  were 
erected  by  this  Assembly  of  1770.     From  Rowan  was  cut  ofl" 
the  county  of  Surry,  named  after  Lord  Surrey,  a  prominent 
member  of  the  British  Parliament,  favorable  to  the  colonies. 
Orange  lost  part  of  her  territory  to  form  the  new  county  of 
Chatham,  called  in  honor  of  the  "  Great  Commoner  "  recently 
transferred  to  the  House  of  Peers.   From  Orange  and  Rowan 
was  erected  the  county  of  Guilford,  in  honor  of  the  father  of 
Lord  North,  heir-apparent  to  the  earldom  of  Guilford,  who 
in  the  same  year  entered  on  his  long  and  baleful  service  as 
Prime  Minister.     And  lastly,  from  Johnston,  chiefly,  with 
slices  of  Cumberland  and   Orange,  was  carved  the  grand 
county,  the  capital  of  which  is  the  city  whose  centennial  we 
are  celebrating  to-day. 

The  royal  Grovernor  of  that  period  was  a  man  of  striking 
personal  "Equalities  and  of  high  family  connections,  William 
Tryon.     In  a  less  turbulent  time  he  would  have  been  the 

*  I  adopt  "  Newbern  "  instead  of  '*  New  Bern  "  or  "  New  Berne,'  because  I  find 
that  mode  of  writing  the  name  most  usual  in  the  Acts  of  Assembly,  and  because 
it  is  so  written  in  the  Post-office  Directory.  Tliere  are  numerous  analogies,  e.  g., 
Newcastle,  Newport,  Plymouth,  Portsmouth,  Charleston,  etc. 


IC 

best  beloved  of  all  our  colonial  Governors.  There  was  a 
Charles  Tryon  who  married  the  d^iughter  of  Earl  Ferrers, 
and  I  conjecture  that  he  was  their  son.  His  wife  was  a 
Miss  Wake,  whose  fortune  of  £20,000  (§100,000)  entitled 
her  in  those  days  to  be  called  wealthy.  She  probably  w^as  a 
scion  of  the  noble  house  of  Wake,  which  a  few  years  before 
had  given  to  England  an  Archbishop,  and  she  was  known 
in  our  colony  as  "  Lady  Tryon."  Governor  Tryon  had  a  sister 
wdio,  in  our  Colonial  Records,  is  styled  the  "  Honorable 
•Miss  Trj^on,"  so  that  she  was  maid  of  honor  to  the  Queen. 
Lady  Tryon's  sister,  Esther  Wake,  having  the  same  name  as 
one  of  the  Archbishop's  daughters,  accompanied  her  to  North 
Carolina,  and  by  her  surpassing  loveliness  of  person  and  ele- 
gance of  manners,  possibl}^  set  off  b}^  her  probable  posses.sion 
of  a  fortune  equal  to  that  of  her  sister,  made  the  hearts  of  our 
colonial  legislators  palpitate  admiringly  under  their  capa- 
cious waistcoats  and  frilled  shirt-bosoms.  It  was  partly  her 
irresistible  appeals  which  carried  the  votes  of  great  sums  for 
the  building  at  Newbern  of  the  finest  palace  in  America  for 
the  Governor's  use.* 

This  palace  was  finished  in  1770,  and  Governor  Tryon 
and  his  lady,  as  representatives  of  the  King  and  Queen  of 
England,  sat  in  arm-chairs  in  its  grandest  hall  and  received 
the  representatives  of  the  people  and  the  elite  of  the  capital 
at  a  brilliant  ball  given  in  honor  of  the  completion.  Gor- 
geous curtseys  by  the  ladies  and  bows  by  the  men  were 
made  in  presence  of  the  viceroy  and  his  fair  consort,  and 
stately  minuets  danced  before  them  in  the  good  old  stately 
style.  The  general  admiration  and  respect  culminated  in 
giving  the  name  of  Wake  to  the  new  county,  whether,  in 
honor  of  Tryon's  wife,  or,  as  others  say,  of  her  sister,  it  is 
impossible  now  to  determine.  Probably  the  married  mem- 
bers had  in  mind  the  former,  while  the  bachelors  hastened 
to  win  a  smile  from  the  fascinating  Esther  by  the  assurance 
that  their  stentorian  "Aye"  on  the  passage  of  the  measure 
was  prompted  by  devotion  to  her  charms. 

The  reason  given  in  the  preamble  of  the  act  for  the  erec- 
tion of  the  count}"  is  that  "  because  of  the  large  extent  of 
Johnston,  Cumberland  and  Orange  it  w^as  grievous  and  bur- 
thensome  to  attend  the  courts,  general  musters  and  other 
public  meetings."  The  first  corner  was  at  "  the  Edgecombe 
line  on  Moccoson  swamp,  a  mile  above  James  Lea's  planta- 

*  I  follow  the  generally  accepted  tradition.  The  late  James  W.  Brvan  contended 
that  Esther  Wake  is  a  myth.  He  stated  that  Judge  Gaston  so  thought.  It  will 
grieve  me  if  I  find  evidence  which  will  force  me  to  consign  to  the  realms  of  fancy 
so  charming  a  lady. 


11 

tion."  The  line  theu  ran  straight  to  "Neuse  river,  at  the 
upper  end  of  John  Beddingfield's  plantation  ;  then  to  David 
^limm's  mill  creek  between  iMimm's  mill  and  Tanner's  old 
mill;  then  the  same  course  continued  to  the  ridge  which 
divides  Cumberland  and  Johnston  counties ;  then  a  straight 
line  to  Orange  line,  at  the  low^er  end  of  Richard  Hill's  plan- 
tation on  Buckhorn  ;  then  the  same  course  continued  five 
miles ;  then  to  the  corner  of  Johnston  county  on  the  Gran- 
ville line;  then  with  the  same  line  and  Bute  [now  Franklin] 
line  to  Edgecomb  line  to  the  beginning."  Afterwards,  in 
1786,  the  part  lying  east  of  Moccoson  swamp  was  ceded  to 
Franklin.  Joel  Lane,  John  Smith  (after  whom  Smith  field 
was  named),  Theophilus  Hunter,  Farquard  Campbell  (from 
him  Cambellton,  or  lower  Fayetteville,  w^as  called),  and 
Walter  Gibson,  were  appointed  Commissioners  to  survey  and 
mark  the  boundary  lines  between  Wake,  Johnston,  Cumber- 
land and  Orange. 

The  question  of  the  location  of  the  county  seat^  often  left 
to  a  vote  of  the  people  in  our  day,  was  entrusted  to  seven 
Commissioners  appointed  by  the  General  Assembly,  the  upper 
house  of  which  was  composed  of  the  Governor  and  his  Coun- 
cil. These  w^ere  Joel  Lane,  Theophilus  Hunter,  Hardy 
Sanders,  Joseph  Lane,  John  Hmton,  Thomas  Hines  and 
Thomas  Crawford.  The  Commissioners  for  building  the 
court-house  and  jail  w^ere  Joel  Lane,  James  Martin  and 
Theophilus  Hunter.  Judging  from  the  foregoing  names,  it 
seems  clear  that  the  General  Assembly  predetermined  the 
site,  because  we  find  that  one  member  of  the  committee  of 
location  owned  the  land  w^here  the  court-house  was  built, 
and  certainly  two  others,  his  brother  Joseph  and  Theophilus 
Hunter,  w^ereowmers  of  adjoining  plantations. 

The  legal  union  of  Church  and  State,  which  at  this  time 
had  little  practical  influence  on  the  life  of  the  people,  was 
indicated  bv  constituting  the  entire  county  a  Parish  of  the 
Church  of  England  under  the  name  of  Saint  Margaret. 

The  names  of  the  townships,  until  1868  called  precincts, 
of  St.  Mary,  of  St.  Matthew,  of  St.  Mark,  which  still  survive, 
are  mementoes  of  this  legal  union,  dissolved  forever  by  the 
severance  of  our  political  bonds  w4th  Great  Britain.  There 
were  probabh^  few  members  of  the  Church  of  England  in  the 
county,  as  there  is  no  tradition  of  any  chapels  or  other  church 
buildings  in  its  limits.  With  the  exception  of  the  Lane  family 
I  know  of  no  members  of  this  denomination  w^hose  families 
resided  in  the  county  at  the  date  of  its  erection.  Probably 
there  were  a  few  others. 


12 


WAKE  COURT  HOUSE. 

The  ancestors  of  Joel  Lane  removed  from  the  Albemarle 
country  to  Halifax.  Thence  he  with  two  brothers,  Joseph 
and  Jesse,  transferred  their  homes  before  the  Revolution  to 
the  part  of  Johnston  county  afterwards  Wake.  Part  of  his 
residence  still  stands  in  the  Boylan  homestead.  .The  court- 
house was  a  log  building  on  the  hillside  in  front  of  his 
dwelling,  probably  at  the  crossing  of  the  roads  from  Xew- 
bern  to  Hillsboro  and  from  Petersburg  to  Cross  creek,  after- 
wards Fayetteville.  The  name  given  to  the  county  seat, 
Bloomsbury,  sounds  so  much  like  a  woman's  fancy  ,that  I 
am  constrained  to  beHeve  it  was  selected  by  the  lovely  Esther 
Wake  and  her  sister,  Lady  Tryon.  We  may  surmise  that 
they  intended  to  transfer  to  their  county  the  name  of  the 
pretty  hamlet  then  near  London,  now  a  part  of  that  wonder- 
ful city,  as  Bloomsbury  Square,  near  the  British  Museum. 
I  love  to  conjecture  that  it  was  their  English  home.  Our 
ancestors  showed  scant  courtesy  in  substituting  for  their 
choice  the  homely  "Wake  Court  House."  They  made 
amends,  however,  by  not  erasing  from  the  list  of  counties 
their  name  when  they  inflicted  the  indignity  on  Tryon  and 
Bute  of  substituting  for  the  former  Lincoln  and  Rutherford, 
and  for  the  latter  Franklin  and  Warren.  I  make  bold  to 
suggest  that  the  title  of  Bloomsbury  Square  shall  be  in  this 
'centennial  year  restored  to  the  hill  on  which  the  old  court- 
house was  located. 

About  the  year  1800  a  new  courthouse  was  erected  on 
the  Fayetteville  street  site — rectangular,  of  wood,  of  the 
shape  of  the  old-fashioned  country  meeting-house.  This 
was  sold  about  1835,  and  removed  bodily  to  the  southeast 
corner  of  Wilmington  and  Davie  streets,  and  was  for  a  long 
time  a  family  residence,  and  then  Cook's  hotel.  The  brick 
structure  which  replaced  it  was  built  in  1835,  and  remodeled 
in  1882,  at  which  time  the  statue  of  Justice  was  placed  over 
its  front   as  a  guardian  and  a  monitor. 

THE  SEAT  OF  GOVERNMENT  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA 
IN  COLONIAL  DAYS. 

In  colonial  times  the  Governor  resided  at  his  own  home 
and  summoned  the  General  Assembly  to  meet  at  some  point 
deemed  by  him  most  convenient.  For  many  years  such 
place  ^'as  in  the  northeastern  counties.    The  earliest  of  these 


13 

temporary  capitals  wa^,  so  far  as  has  been  liauded  dowD,  at 
the  house  of  Captain  John  Hecklefield  in  the  county  of  Per- 
quimans.    The  important  Assembly  of  1715,  the  firrit  whose 
full  proceedings  are  known  to  us,  which,  soon  after  the  terri- 
ble trials  of  the  Tuscarora  war,  showed  its  hatred  of  arbitrary 
government  by  passing  strong  resolves  against  recent  despotic 
acts  of  the  executive  and  the  military  officers,  met  at  the 
dwelling  of  Col.  Richard  Sanderson  on  Little  river  in  the 
county  of  Perquimans.     Five  years  later  we  find  its  session 
held  at  the  court-house  in   Chowan,  about  five  miles  from 
Edenton,  andin  1  $22,  the  year  of  Governor  Eden's  death,  the 
fair  young  town,  looking  out  on  the  placid  waters  of  Chowan 
bay,*^named  in  his  honor,  was  officially  established  as  the  seat 
of  government.    During  Governor  Gabriel  Johnston's  admin- 
istration the  centre  of  population  moved  away  from  the  Albe-     . 
marie  section  towards  the  southwest.     The  Governor  called Tx 
the  Assembly  to  convene  in  1738  and  1739  at  Xewbern  on    ^ 
account  of  its  central  position.     He  earnestly  advocated  that 
this  town  should  be  made  the  permanent  ''seat  of  govern- 
ment."    The  Albemarle  counties  bitterly  opposed  this,  and, 
having  five  members  to  each  county,  while  the  others  had 
only  two,  for  some  time  regularly  voted  down  all  proposals 
for  the  change.    At  length,  in  174(3,  the  Governor  appointed  a 
session  at  Wilmington  during  the  month  of  November,  when 
the  inhabitants  of  Albemarle  were  busily  engaged  in  fatten- 
ing and  slaughtering  and  curing  and  driving  to  market  their 
crop  of  hogs.     Their  members,  a  majority  of  the  body,  were 
not  present  when  the  roll  was  called.     According  to  the  pre- 
cedents of  half  a  century  there  was  no  quorum  able  to  trans- 
act business.     Then  ensued  the  earliest  and  most  unblush- 
ing arbitrary  tactics  ever  witnessed  in  our  State.     The  mem- 
bers present  first  voted  that  fifteen  should  be  a  quorum,  and 
then  passed  an  act  reducing  the  representation  of  the  Albe- 
marle counties  to  two  each.     (Quickly  followed  an  act  fixing 
the  seat  of  government  at  Xewbern  and  making  it  the  centre 
of  the  court  system,  the  Westminster  of  North  Carolina;  and 
although  theKing  disallowed  the  act,  and  the  Albemarle 
people   stoutly  refused  to  recognize  the  laws  of  the  rump 
Assembly,  the  practical  result  was  that  after  the  sessions  of 
the  Assembly  in  1740,  1741  and  1743  the  town  of  Edenton 
witnessed  legislative  gatherings  no  more  forever.     Newbern 
had  the  exclusive  honor,  with  the  exception  of  sessions  at 
Wilmington  in  1740,17-^4,  1761,  1763  and  1765,  and  one 
called  at  Bathtown,now  Bath,in  1752,  the  year  of  Johnston's 
death. 


14 

Our  State  provisional  revolutionary  bodies,  called  Con- 
gresses, were  held  at  Newbern,  Hillsborough  and  Halifax, 
the  latter  adopting  the  Constitution  which  went  into  opera- 
tion on  the  23d  day  of  December,  1776. 

THE  REVOLUTION. 

The  sessions  of  the  Assembly  during  the  Revolution  were 
affected  to  a  considerable  extent  by  the  exigencies  of  war. 
Those  in  1777  and  the  first  session  of  1778,  as  well  as  the  first 
of  1780,  were  held  in  Xewbern.  The  second  session  of  1778, 
the  second  of  1780,  and  those  of  1782  and  1783  were  at  Hills- 
borough. The  third  session  of  the  General  Assembly  of  1778, 
which  met  in  January,  1779,  was  at  Halifax,  as  was  likewise 
the  second  session  of  1779.  The  first  of  1779  was  at  Smith- 
field.  The  first  of  1781  was  "  in  Wake  county,"  presumably 
at  the  court-hou.se.  One  was  appointed  for  Salem,  but  a 
quorum  did  not  attend. 

After  the  Declaration  of  Peace  the  sessions  of  1784  were,  the 
first  at  Hillsborough,  and  the  second  at  Xewbern,  as  was  also 
that  of  1785.  That  of  1787  was  at  Tarboro.  Those  of  1 786, 
1788,  1789,  1790  and  the  first  session  of  1793  were  at  Fay- 
etteville.  Those  of  1791, 1792  and  the  second  session  of  1793, 
held  in  June,  1794,  were  in  Newbern. 

From  the  foregoing  it  appears  that  the  first  capital  of  the 
State  was  Edenton,  and  the  second  practically  at  Xewbern. 
As  the  act  of  1746,  designating  Xewbern  as  the  seat  of  gov- 
ernment, was  not  approved  by  the  King,  the  claim  of  that 
town  rested  on  the  action  of  the  Governor,  who  had  power 
to  designate  the  places  as  well  as  the  times  of  the  sessions  of 
the  Assembly. 

MOVEMENTS  FOR  A  PERMANENT  CAPITAL. 

It  was  plainly  impossible  that  the  public  business  could 
be  properly  conducted  when  the  Governor  and  other  State 
oflficers  lived  at  diverse  points,  when  the  Legislature  migrated 
with  less  regularity  than  wild  birds,  and  the  public  records 
were  scattered  about  according  to  the  convenience  or  whims 
of  officers.  Xorth  Carolina  has  suffered  sorely  in  money  and 
reputation  from  losses  of  her  archives.  In  1789  the  General 
Assembly  made  this  humiliating  declaration,  that  "it  is  rep- 
resented by  the  agents  of  the  State  that  many  officers  and 
whole  regiments  of  privates  who  served  in  the  continental 
line  of  this  State  are  not  to  be  found  on  the  musters  in  the 
war  or  pay-ofifice  of  the  United  States,  and  that  no  account 
has  been  taken  of  numerous  wagons  and  teams  with  which 


15 

the  armies  of  the  United  States  have  been  supplied  by  this 
State,"  and  then  orders  the  Comptroller  to  search  for  such 
musters  among  the  private  papers  of  the  late  Governors  and 
of  such  military  officers  as  may  be  supposed  to  have  them. 
It  was  the  opinion  of  all  our  statesmen  and  well  informed 
men  of  the  Revolution,  and  afterwards,  that  great  injus- 
tice was  done  to  North  Carolina  in  the  settlement  with  the 
general  Government  by  reason  of  papers,  which  would  have 
shown  our  expenditures  for  the  war,  having  been  lost  or 
hopelessly  mislaid. 

Notwithstanding  these  evils,  there  w^as  such  a  want  of 
homogeneousness  in  the  State,  one  part  trading  w^th  Nor- 
folk, others  with  Petersburg,  Richmo'nd,  Charleston,  Wil- 
mington, Newbern  and  Fa^^etteville,  that  it  was  with  great 
difficulty  that  a  change  could  be  made.  The  General  Assem- 
blies shrank  from  preferring  one  part  over  another.  A  con- 
vention of  the  people  w^as  to  be  held  in  Hillsborough  in  1788 
to  consider  the  new^  Federal  Constitution.  The  General 
Assembly  of  1787,  sitting  in  Tarboro,  requested  the  people  to 
instruct  their  delegates  to  "fix  on  the  place  for  the  unalter- 
able seat  of  government.^ 

In  accordance  w-ith  this  suggestion  the  Convention  of  1788, 
having  decided  that  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States 
ought  not  to  be  adopted  without  amendments,  took  up  the 
question  thus  referred  to  it.  ''After  deliberation  the  majority 
evidently  concluded  to  adopt  as  near  as  possible  the 
geographical  centre  of  the  State,  and  instructed  the  General 
Assembly  to  provide  for  the  selection  of  a  site  within  ten 
miles  of  the  plantation  of  Isaac  Hunter,  in  the  county  of 
AVake.  '  Doubtless  other  centres  w^ere  voted  for,  but  the  Jour- 
nal of  the  Convention  cannot  be  found,  and  I  am  unable  to 
give  them.  It  will  be  seen  hereafter  that  the  Wake  county 
circle  w^on  by  a  combination  of  the  delegates  from  the  val- 
leys of  the  streams  flowing  into  the  sounds  of  Albemarle  and 
Pamlico,  and  that  the  most  formidable  opponent  was  Fay- 
etteville. 

This  historical  tract  of  Isaac  Hunter  lies  about  three  and 
a  half  miles  north  of  our  city  on  what  was  once  the  great 
road  from  the  North  to  the  South  by  way  of  Petersburg, 
Warrenton,  Louisburg,  Wake  Court  House  to  Fayetteviile, 
Charleston  and  other  points.  The  great  oaks  wdiich  prob- 
ably sheltered  Isaac  Hunter  and  the  guests  of  his  hos- 
pitable home,  still  stand  about  one  mile  north  of  Ci:abtree 
bridge.  Within  ten  miles  is  a  long  stretch  of  Neuse  river, 
and  many  of  the  delegates  most  probably  supposed  that  the 


16 

new  city  would  possess  wharves  and  shipping,  as  it  was  then, 
and  for  years  afterwards,  believed  that  the  Xeuse  could  be 
made  navigable  to  its  Falls,  and  even  beyond  to  the  hills  of 
Orange.  Indeed,  Hamikon  Fulton,  a  Scotch  engineer,  em- 
ployed by  the  State  during  the  canal  fever,  about  1820,  gives 
it  as  his  ofDinion  that  Raleigh  can  be  directly  connected 
with  the  ocean  by  a  system  of  dams  and  locks  from  the 
crossing  of  the  Fayetteville  road  over  Rocky  branch.  He 
gives  the  fall  down  that  stream  and  Walnut  creek  to  Xeuse 
river  at  seventy-four  feet  three  inches,  and  the  distance 
ten  miles,  four  furlongs  and  eleven  rods.  He  recommends, 
however,  in  preference  to  this,  that  the  port  of  Raleigh  should 
be  on  the  Crabtree  at  the  Louisburg  road  crossing,  estima- 
ting the  expense  of  dams  and  locks  on  the  creek,  and  a  horse 
railroad  from  Raleigh  to  the  landing,  at  835,255.  It  would 
be  still  better,  he  said,  to  have  Raleigh's  port  on  Xeuse  river 
with  a  six-mile  railroad.  It  is  a  liistoric  truth  that  our 
people  invested  money  in  a  Xeuse  River  Xavigation  Com- 
pany, and  succeeded  in  sending  one  boat,  James  H.  Murray 
captain,  down  to  Xewbern  and  back.  It  is  not  surprising, 
with  such  visions  in  the  air,  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  val- 
leys of  the  streams  flowing  into  the  Albemarle  and  Pamlico 
sounds  united  in  a  legislative  log-rolling. 
/  The  General  Assemblies  were  slow  in  carrying  into  effect 
the  ordinance  of  the  Convention.  There  was  fierce  hostility 
to  the  location  in  Wake.  There  were  charges  of  trickery  and 
management  in  securing  it.  In  Xovember,  1788,  Willie 
Jones,  in  the  Senate,  moved  to  carr}^  the  ordinance  into  effect. 
The  bill  passed  by  a  vote  of  26  to  20.  The  Journal  of  the 
lower  house  shows  that  it  was  received,  amended  and  passed 
its  second  reading.  As  it  was  not  ratified,  very  probably 
the  opposition  understood  the  trick  of  killing  bills  with 
odious  "  riders,"  and  the  friends  of  the  bill  not  liking  the 
amendments  allowed  it  to  drop. 

The  Convention  and  the  General  Assembl}^  of  1789  met 
in  Fayetteville  at  the  same  time.  The  adoption  of  the  Fed- 
eral Constitution  was  of  such  momentous  importance  that 
.probably  the  failure  of  the  Assembly  to  consider  the  ques- 
tion of  the  seat  of  government  was  caused  b}^  forgetful n ess. 
In  1790  the  Assembly,  meeting  in  the  same  town,  was  so 
evenly  divided  that  the  proposition  to  carry  into  effect  the 
ordinance  of  1788  passed  the  House  by  the  casting  vote  of 
Stephen  Cabarrus,  its  Speaker,  and  failed  in  the  Senate  by 
the  casting  vote  of  a  Western  man,  William  .Lenoir,  the 
Speaker. 


17 

The  intensity  of  the  feeling  of  tlie  friends  of  Fayetteville 
was  shown  bv  its  struggle  to  secure  the  meeting  of  the  fol- 
lowing General  Assembly— that  of  1791.  After  a  long  and 
close  contest  Newbern  carried  the  vote,  and  the  cause  of 
Flora  McDonald's  town  was  lost  forever. 
•  At  this  Assemblv  of  1791  an  act  was  passed  to  carry  into 
effect  the  mandate  of  the  people  in  convention  assembled 
Nine  Commissioners,  not  ten,  as  has  been  erroneously  stated, 
were  appointed  to  locate  the  city  and  five  to  erect  a  State- 
house  at  a  co=t  of  $20,000.  The  bill  passed  the  Senate  m 
Januarv,  1792,  by  the  close  vote  of  27  to  24,  and  the  House 
bv  58  to  53.  In  the  former  body  Joseph  R.  Gautier,  a  promi- 
nent lawyer.  Senator  from  Bladen,  who,  by  the  by,  left  m  his 
will  a  valuable  librarv  to  the  State  University,  presented  a 
strong  protest,  which,  with  the  names  of  the  signers,  I  give 
in  fuU,  as  showing  the  strength  of  the  feeling  on  the  subject: 

Because  pprmanence  cannot  be  insured  to  a  measure  carried  by  so 

inconsiderable  a  majority-a  measure  by  which  the  interest  of  our  con^ 

stituents  are  materiallv  injured-hy  which  the  public  good  is  sacnhced 

.  to  local  combinations  and  personal  influence,  and  against  which  as  men, 

to  answer  the  trust  delegated  to  us.  we  solemnly  protest:— 

Because  although  it  mav  be  inconvenient  and  inconsistent  with  the 
dignity  of  this  State  that  its  government  should  continue  to  be  ambula- 
tor v  vet  in  the  determination  neither  economy  or  policy  are  consulted— 
the  interest  of  the  most  valuable  part  of  the  State  sacritieed  (perhaps  tor 
jealousy  of  its  importance)  by  the  tyranny  of  an  accidental  and  most 

^"^Becfus^the'^M-ecedent  of  deciding  on  carrying  into  effect  measures 
attended  with  such  infinite  expense  to  the  country  under  the  sanction  ot 
an  accidental  vote  which  mav  be  reversed  at  a  day  not  far  distant,  is 
precrnant  with  the  most  fatal  mischiefs,  and  will  in  future,  as  it  does  on 
theWesent  occasion,  encourage  an  intrigue  in  our  counsels,  and  aban- 
don the  command  of  the  treasury  and  the  control  of  the  properties  of 
the  people  to  the  efforts  of  design,  and  to  the  machinations  ot  an  inter- 
ested party.        rgj  ^^^-|        Joseph  McDowell  (the  elder,  of  Burke), 

John  A.  Campbell  (of  New  Hanover), 

Joseph  Hodge  (of  Orange). 

David  Caldwell  (of  Iredell). 

Richard  Singleton  (of  Sampson). 

J.  R.  Gautier  (of  Bladen), 

F.  Campbell  (of  Cumberland). 
Zebedee  Wood  (of  Randolph), 
Joseph  Winston  (of  Stokes), 
John  Stewart  (of  Chatham). 
Joseph  Graham  (of  Mecklenburg), 
David  Gillespie  (of  Guilford), 
Joseph  Dickson  (of  Lincoln), 
Thomas  Wade  (of  Anson), 
James  Turner  (of  Montgomery), 
J.  W^iLLis  (of  Robeson), 
Richard  Clinton  (of  Sampson), 
Thomas  Tyson  (of  Moore). 

C.  Galloway  (of  Rockingham), 

G.  H.  Berger  (of  Rowan). 


18 

There  are  strong  men  in  this  list.  We  find  Gen.  Thomas 
Wade,  of  Anson,  after  whom  Wadesboro  is  named  ;  General 
Joseph  Graham,  father  of  Governor  W.  A.  Graham;  Joseph 
Dickson,  Joseph  Winston  and  Joseph  McDowell,  senior,  all 
three  afterwards  members  of  Congress.  If  attention  is  paid 
to  the  counties  represented  by  them  it  will  be  found  that 
there  are  eight  in  the  Cape  Fear  basin:  Bladen,  Chatham, 
Cumberland,  New  Hanover,  Kandolph,  Guilford,  Sampson 
and  Moore.  Of  the  others,  the  following  at  that  day  traded 
almost  exclusively  with  Fayetteville,  to- wit:  Anson,  Mont- 
gomery, Robeson,  Rowan,  Orange,  Rockingham  and  Stokes. 
The.  remaining  western  counties,  Burke,  Iredell,  Lincoln, 
Rutherford  and  Mecklenburg,  strangely  as  it  may  appear  to 
us,  traded  largely  in  the  same  direction.  It  thus  appears  that 
the  contest  was  on  behalf  of  this  good  old  town,  which,  on 
account  of  its  being  the  head  of  navigation  of  the  Cape  Fear, 
w^as  one  of  the  most  important  places  in  our  State.  Five 
meetings  of  the  General  Assembly  and  the  Convention  of 
1789,  which  adopted  the  Federal  Constitution,  had  been  held 
within  its  limits.  It  w'as  made  a  court  town  of  a  new 
judicial  district.  This  same  Convention  had  conferred  on 
it  the  extraordinary  privilege  of  sending  a  borough  member 
to  the  General  Assembly.  Its  citizens  and  friends  had  pro- 
cured charters  authorizing  the  clearing  and  deepening  of  the 
channel  of  the  Cape  Fear  from  Wilmington  to  Averasboro. 
All  road  hands  living  within  two  miles  of  the  river  could  be 
compelled  to  this  work  for  twelve  days  in  the  year.  In  1790 
a  charter  was  granted  to  make  Cross  creek  navigable.  Great 
manufacturing  enterprises  were  to  be  inaugurated.  Henry 
Emanuel  Lutterloh  was  authorized  by  special  law  to  import 
from  abroad  capitalists  and  skilled  laborers,  who  were  to  be 
exempt  from  all  taxation  for  five  years.  To  make  the  offer 
still  more  tempting,  the  immigrants  were  in  terms  vested 
with  the  perpetual  powder  of  erecting  their  own  churches  and 
school-houses.  Lutterloh  was  authorized  by  law  to  raise  by 
a  lottery  §6,000  for  the  purpose  of  paying  the  expenses  of 
transportation  and  settlement.  Perhaps  it  is  an  indication 
of  the  confident  hope  of  securing  for  this  commercial  and 
manufacturing  centre  the  further  advantages  of  the  seat  of 
government,  that  the  citizens  called  the  public  building,  in 
which  General  Assemblies  sometimes  met,  burnt  in  the  great 
fire  of  1831,  which  occupied  the  site  of  the  present  market- 
house,  the  "State-house."  These  facts  explain  the  strong 
language  of  Gautier's  Protest.  It  was  the  beginning  of  the 
great  "Eastern  and  Western"  contest.^ 


19 

ELECTION  OF  COMMISSIONERS  OF  LOCATION. 

The  act  of  1791  provided  for  one  commissioner  of  location 
from  each  of  the  Judicial  Districts,  and  a  ninth  from  the 
State-at-large.     The  following  nominations  were  made  : 

For  the  Morgan  District — Joseph  McDowell,  the  elder. 

For  the  Salisbury  District — Matthew  Lock  and  James 
Martin. 

Nor  the  Hillsborough  District — Thomas  Person  and  Joseph 
Hodge. 

For  the  Halifax  District — Thomas  Blount. 

For  the  Edenton  District — William  J.  Dawson. 

For  the  Newbern  District — Frederick  Hargett. 

FortheFayetteville  District — Farquhard  Campbell,  Henry 
William  Harrington,  Henry  E.  Lutterloh  and  John  Willis. 

For  the  Wilmington  District — James  Bloodworth,  Edward 
Jones  and  John  A.  Campbell. 

For  the  Xinth  Commissioner — '■'Willie  Jones,  Griffith  Ruth- 
erford and  Alexander  Mebane. 

The  following  were  elected  : 

For  Morgan  District — Joseph  McDowell,  the  elder. 

For  Salisbury  District — James  Martin. 

For  Hillsborough  District — Thomas  Person. 

For  Halifax  District — Thomas  Blount. 

For  Edenton  District — William  Johnston  Dawson. 

For  Newbern  District — Frederick  Hargett. 

For  Fayetteville  District — Henry  William  Harrington. 

For  the  Wilmington  District — James  Bloodworth. 

For  Ninth  Commissioner — Willie  Jones. 

BUILDING  COMMITTEE. 

The  following  nominations  were  made  for  the  Building 
Committee  of  five : 

Richard  Benehan,  "  the  venerable  Judge  Williams,"'  John 
Macon,  Robert  Goodloe,  George  Lucas,  Nathan  Bryan, 
Theophilus  Hunter,  William  Cain,  Wyatt  Hawkins,  James 
Porterfield. 

Of  these,  Messrs.  Richard  Bennehan.  John  Macon,  Robert 
Goodloe,  Nathan  Bryan,  Theophilus  Hunter  were  elected. 

The  Commissioners  for  Location  will  be  described  hereaf- 
ter. Of  the  Building  Committee  Richard  Bennehan  w^as  of 
Orange.  Coming  from  Petersburg  as  a  clerk  in  the  country 
store  of  a  rich  Hillsboro  merchant  named  Johnson,  partly 
by  marriage,  but  mainly  by  investments  from  time  to  time 

*  Pronounced  Wi-ley. 


20 

of  his  earniogs  in  slaves  and  in  the  rich  bottom  lands  of  the 
Neuse  and  its  tributaries,  tbe  Eno  and  Flat,  he  accuniuhatfd 
one  of  the  largest  estates  in  Xorth  Carolina.  His  only 
daughter  married  Judge  Duncan  Cameron,  and  at  the  death 
of  her  brother,  Thomas  D.  Bennehan,  who  never  married, 
succeeded  to  all  the  estates  of  her  father.  Richard  Benne- 
han was  a  man  of  boundless  hospitality,  of  large  public 
spirit,  one  of  the  early  Trustees  of  the  University,  of  which 
he  was  a  generous  benefactor. 

John  Macon  was  much  trusted  by  the  people  of  Warren, 
for  four  years  a  Commoner  and  ten  years  consecutively  Sen- 
ator. He  was  a  brother  of  the  more  eminent  Nathaniel 
Macon,  from  the  same  county. 

Robert  Goodloe  was  a  citizen  of  Franklin,  a  prominent 
planter  and  builder,  whose  descendants  are  among  the  best 
people  of  Alabama,  Tennessee  and  Kentucky.  One  of  them, 
Colonel  Green  Clay  Goodloe,  is  now  a  paymaster  in  the  United 
States  Marine  Corps.  The  eminent  statesman  and  lawyer, 
Robert  Goodloe  Harper,  who  had  the  peculiar  honor  of 
being  elected  to  Congress  from  two  districts  in  South  Caro- 
lina at  the  same  time,  and  who,  after  marrying  a  daughter 
of  Charles  Carroll  of  CarroUton,  became  one  of  the  leaders 
of  the  Baltimore  Bar  and  United  States  Senator  from  Mary- 
land, was  a  nephew  of  Robert  Goodloe. 

Nathan  Bryan  had  been  a  member  of  the  Constitutional 
Convention  of  1788,  was  then  Senator  from  Jones  and  after- 
wards a  member  of  Congress. 

Theophilus  Hunter  was  a  brother  of  the  Isaac  Hunter  who 
owned  the  centre  of  the  circle  within  which  the  location  was 
to  be  ma'^le,  and  will  be  hereafter  more  particularly  described. 

LOCATION  OF  THE  CAPITAL. 

It  has  been  generally  believed  that  the  Commissioners 
liad  unrestricted  powers  in  regard  to  the  new  city.  This  is 
a  mistake.  The  General  Assembly  prescribed  the  width  of 
the  streets,  limited  the  quantity  of  Jand  to  be  purchased  at  not 
exceeding  one  thousand  acres,  and  the  area  of  the  city  at 
not  less  than  four  hundred  acres,  and  commanded  that  at 
least  twenty  acres  should  be  reserved  for  the  State  house 
and  other  public  buildings.  The  compensation  of  the  Com- 
missioners w^as  twenty  shillings,  or  §2  per  day. 

On  Tuesday  the  20th  March,  1792,  there  assembled  at  the 
house  of  Isaac  Hunter  five  of  the  nine  Commissioners,  viz., 
Frederick  Hargett,  of  Jones;  William  Johnston  Diwson,  of 


21 

Chowan;  Joseph  McDowell  (the  elder),  of  Burke;  James 
Martin,  of  Stokes  ;  Thomas  Blount,  of  Edgecombe.  They  did 
not  organize,  but  adjourned  at  once  to  the  house  of  Joel 
Lane,  at  Wake  Court  House.  On  the  next  day  they  began 
their  work  by  viewing  the  lands  which  had  been  offered  to 
them  as  suitable  sites.  On  the  22d  they  were  joined  by 
Willie  Jones,  of  Halifax. 

It  is- pleasant  to  travel  on  horseback  with  these  worthy 
citizens  among  the  gentle  hills  of  Wake,  then  putting  on  the 
green  loveliness  of  spring.  As  the  squirrels  chattered  in  the 
oaks  and  hickories,  the  rabbits  tripped  into  the  broomsedge, 
the  mocking-birds  poured  out  their  mimetic  melody,  they 
scanned  closely,  with  woodman's  eye,  the  ridges  and  streams 
and  level  uplands,  and  discoursed  SMgely  about  the  prospects 
of  the  coming  city.  And  when  they  reached  their  place  of 
repose  at  night,  and  refreshed  their  weary  frames  with  the 
fragrant  toddy  and  savory  beef,  venison  or  mutton,  with 
smoking  biscuit  and  buttered  batter-cakes  which  the  busy 
housewife  most  hospitably  set  before  them,  they  discussed 
the  great  questions  pending  in  the  political  world — how  the 
French  Revolution  would  make  all  the  world  free,  whether 
Hamilton  or  Jefferson  in  Washington's  Cabinet  w^ould  most 
influence  the  action  of  their  great  chief.  And  they  discussed, 
too,  the  rising  influence  of  the  Democratic  Republican  party, 
w^hich  was  destined  to  destroy  the  Federalist  party  and  con- 
trol the  government  for  many  years,  and,  with  wonderful 
vitality  and  sanguine  expectation  of  victory,  is  now  reaching 
out  its  hands  to  grasp  again  the  reins  of  power. 

The  tracts  offered  to  the  commissioners,  and  which  they 
were  eight  days  in  riding  over,  not  stopping  for  Sunday, 
were — 

1.  The  land  of  Nathaniel  Jones,  of  White  Plains,  prob- 
ably including  the  town  of  Cary. 

2.  That  of  Theophilus  Hunter,  senior,  on  the  Fayetteville 
road,  one  mile  from  his  residence,  called  Spring  Hill.  This 
tract  is  now^  part  of  the  Bledsoe  land. 

3.  That  of  Theophilus  Hunter,  junior,  two  miles  south  of 
Wake  Court  House,  now  owned  by  W.  G.  Upchurch,  the 
Caraleigh  company,  and  others. 

4.  That  of  Joel  Lane,  at  Wake  Court  House. 

5.  That  of  Henry  Lane,  one  mile  north  of  Wake  Court 
House,  lately  belonging  to  Henry  Mordecai,  deceased,  a  de- 
scendant of  Henry  Lane. 

b.  That  of  Isdac  Hunter,  the  center  of  the  circle,  now  the 
property  of  the  estate  of  Mrs.  Mary  Smith  Morehead. 


22 

7.  That  of  Nathaniel  Jooes,  still  belonging  to  his  heirs, 
the  home  tract  of  Mrs.  Kimbrough  Jones. 

8.  That  on  both  sides  of  Neuse  river,  at  the  Great  Falls, 
now  owned  b}^  the  Raleigh  Paper  Companj%  and  others. 

9.  That  of  Thomas  Crawford,  on  the  north  side  of  Neuse, 
three  miles  below  the  Great  Falls,  now  owned  by  L.  C.  Dunn. 

10.  That  of  Dempsey  Powell,  on  south  side  of  Neuse,  at 
Powell's  bridge,  seven  miles  of  Isaac  Hunter,  now  owned  bv 
W.  H.  Pace. 

11.  That  of  Ethelred  Rogers,  on  the  north  side  of  Neuse 
river,  at  Rogers'  Ferr\',  now  owned  by  Mrs.  Fabius  J.  Hay- 
wood, the  elder. 

12.  Those  of  Michael  Rogers,  Hardy  Dean  and  John  Ezell, 
adjoining  the  last  tract ;  nearly  all  of  which  land  now  belongs 
to  Mrs.  Fabius  J.  Haywood,  the  elder,,  the  granddaughter  of 
Michael  Rogers. 

13.  That  of  John  Hinton,  on  the  north  side  of  Neuse,  one 
mile  below  his  dwelling-house,  late  the  property  of  Mrs. 
Betsey  Hinton. 

14.  That  of  Kimbrough  Hinton,  on  the  north  side  of  Neuse 
near  the  eastern  part  of  the  circle,  now  belonging  to  the  heirs 
of  Madison  C.  Hodge. 

15.  Those  of  Lovett  Bryan  and  others,  on  the  south  side  of 
Neuse,  betw^een  Crabtree  and  Walnut  creeks,  now  belonging 
to  the  estate  of  AVm.  R.  Pool. 

16.  That  of  William  Jeffreys,  on  the  south  side  of  Neuse, 
opposite  Rogers'  Ferry,  still  in  the  hands  of  the  same  family. 

17.  That  of  William  JefFre^^s,  on  the  south  side  of  Neuse, 
three  miles  from  Jacob  Hunter's,  on  the  road  to  Powell's 
bridge,  still  belonging  to  the  same  family. 

It  is  recorded  that  on  the  27th  the  Commissioners  took  a 
second  view^  of  the  lands  of  Joel  and  Henry  Lane.  The  prices 
demanded  for  each  of  the  seventeen  tracts  are  not  stated  in 
the  report. 

On  Thursday,  the  29th  of  March,  the  Commissioners  pro- 
ceeded to  organize  themselves  into  a  Board,  choosing  unani- 
mously as  chairman  the  estimable  Frederick  Hargett,  who 
was  likewise  chairman  of  the  Board  which  selected  the  site 
of  the  Universit3\  They  then  proceeded  to  ballot  for  the 
place  most  proper  to  be  purchased.  Only  three  obtained  any 
vote.  John  Hinton's  tract  on  the  north  side  of  the  Neuse, 
near  Milburnie,  received  three  votes;  Joel  Lane's  tract  at 
Wake  Court-house  received  two  votes;  and  Nathaniel  Jones' 
tract  near  Cary  received  one  vote.     So  there  was  no  choice. 


23 

It  will  be  noticed  that  eight  of  the  seventeen  tracts  offered 
were  on  Xeuse  river,  and  of  these  some  were  at  the  points 
where  there  is  water-power.  As  one-half  of  the  Commission- 
ers on  the  first  ballot  expressed  their  preference  for  John 
Hinton's  land,  only  one  mile  from  Milburnie,  it  is  clear  that 
there  was  considerable  expectation  in  the  public  mind  that 
the  new  city  ought  to  be  a  manufacturing  centre,  with  some, 
if  not  great,  navigable  facilities.  It  would  be  an  agreeable 
pastime  to  go  into  a  conjectural  estimate  of  what  would  have 
been  the  development  of  our  city  if  the  Ilinton  land  could 
have  obtained  one  more  vote. 

That  vote  was  not  had.  The  Board  adjourned  until  next 
day.  Willie  Jones  was  a  master  of  the  art  of  persuasion  and 
was  an  intimate  friend  of  Joel  Lane.  Lane  himself  was  a 
man  of  influence,  who  had  served  the  State  in  the  Colonial 
Congress  and  as  Senator  for  ten  years  in  succession.  Very 
probably  he  offered  new  inducements  as  to  price.  At  any 
rate,  on  Friday,  the  30th  of  March,  a  second  ballot  was  taken, 
with  the  result  that  Wake  Court  House  received  five  votes,  and 
the  Hinton  land  received  only  one  vote.  Possibly  Lane  was" 
adversely  criticised  for  his  tactics  in  winning  the  contest. 
There  was  abundant  room  for  unpleasant  talk  on  account 
of  his  entertaining  the  Commissioners  at  his  house.  They 
wei'e  acting  as  judges  and  were  certainly,  notwithstanding 
iheir  high  character,  liable  to  the  criticism  that  they  ate  the 
bread  of  one  of  the  litigants.  I  cannot  find  their  accounts 
of  expenses,  but  it  is  altogether  probable  that  they  paid  for 
their  entertainment.  I  notice  that  Lane  w^as  Senator  from 
1782  to  1792,  both  inclusive,  but  that  in  the  next  year  James 
Hinton  had  his  place.  This  is  some  evidence  that  the  Hin- 
ton famil}"  resented  his  success  in  the  negotiation  and  that 
the  people  took  their  side.  If  so,  the  displeasure  was  evanes- 
cent, for  he  was  Senator  again  in  1794  and  1795.  The  soli- 
tary supporter  of  the  Neuse  river  location  on  the  last  ballot 
consented  that  the  vote  should  be  made  unanimous. 

The  quantity  purchased  was  the  maximum  allowed  by 
the  law,  one  thousand  acres.  The  price  was  thirty  shillings, 
or  $3,  for  the  "woodland  and  fresh  grounds,"  and  twenty 
shillings  per  acre  ($2)  for  the  old-field.  The  fact,  now  ascer- 
tained, that  there  were  756  acres  of  the  former  and  244  acres 
of  the  old-fields,  gives  us  a  striking  picture  of  the  wasteful 
husbandry  of  that  day.  One-fourth  of  the  tract,  after  being 
cleared  and  cultivated,  was  abandoned  because  exhausted, 
and  rated  at  only  two-thirds  the  value  of  land  covered  by 


*^ 


24 

the  original  forest  growth.     Tiie  price   of  the    whole    was 
£1,378,  or  82,756.^  '' 

The  surveyor  employed  was  AVilliam  Christmas,  State 
Senator  from  Franklin  county,  w^ho  agreed  to  accept  in  full 
compensation  for  his  services,  including  six  copies  of  the 
plan  of  the  city,  four  shillings,  or  forty  cents  currency,  for 
each  lot.  As  there  w^ere  276  lots,  his  pay  amounted  to  8110.40. 
Christmas  had  theretofore  run  the  boundary  between  Frank- 
lin and  Warren  counties,  and  liad  laid  out  the  town  of  War- 
renton. 

PLAN  OF  THE  CITY. 

The  work  of  the  survey  occupied  four  days.  The  plan 
was  adopted  on  the  4th  April,  the  Commissioners  assigning 
names  to  the  public  squares  and  streets.  They  gave  the 
name  Union  to  the  Capitol  Square,  which  is  nearly  six  acres 
in  extent.  Four  other  squares  of  four  acres  each  they  called 
in  honor  of  the  first  three  Governors  of  our  State  under  the 
Constitution  of  1776,  and  of  the  Attorney  General. 

In  the  northwest  is  Casw^ell  Square,  commemorating 
Richard  Caswell,  one  of  the  commanders  at  Moore's  creek 
bridge,  the  first  Governor. 

In  the  southwest  is  \ash  Sqnar^^  commemorating  Abner 
Nash,  the  second  Governor.  Doubtless  they  had  in  mind 
also  one  of  the  first  martyrs  to  liberty,  his  brother.  General 
Francis  Nash. 

In  the  northeast  is  Burke  Square, commemorating  Thomas 
Burke,  eminent  in  State  and  continental  legislative  bodies, 
the  third  Governor. 

In  the  southeast  is  Moore  Square,  honoring  Alfred  Moore, 
who,  when  barely  of  age,  fought  for  our  liberties,  and  was 
then.  Attorney  General,  soon  to  be  elevated  to  the  Supreme 
Court  bench  of  the  most  august  judicial  tribunal  in  the 
world.  The  fourth  Governor,  Alexander  Martin,  was  not 
honored  by  the  name  of  this  square,  because  a  street  w'as 
named  after  his  brother. 

In  naming  the  streets,  the  Commissioners  first  honored 
the  eight  judicial  districts  into  which  the  State  w^as  divided, 
viz. :  Those  of  Edenton,  Newbern,  Wilmington,  Hillsborough,- 
Halifax,  Salisbury,  Fayetteville  and  Morgan. t  The  street 
leading  from  the  centre  of  Union  Square,  perpendicularly 
thereto  toward  the  north,  was  called  Halifax  street ;  that  to 
'the  east  Newbern  ;  that  to  the  south  Fayetteville,  and  that  to 

*  The  pound  currency  equated  S2  at  that  time  and  for  some  years  afterwards. 
jThe  Western  Judicial  District  was  so  called,  although  the  court  town  was  Mor- 
gan Town,  now  Morganton. 


25 

the  west  Hill?bnrough.  These  are  99  feet,  all  the  others  are 
Q6  feet  wide,  their  width  being  prescribed  by  the  Act  of  1791. 

The  streets  running  east  and  west  along  the  north  and 
the  south  side  of  Union  Square,  were  called,  respectively, 
Edenton  and  Morgan.  Those  running  north  and  south 
along  the  east  and  the  west  side  were  called,  respectively, 
Wihnington  and  Salisbury. 

The  other  streets,  with  the  exception  of  those  most  remote 
from  Union  Square,  which  being  the  boundary  streets,  were 
called  North,  East,  South  and  West,  w^ere  named,  firstly, 
alter  the  nine  Commissioners  on  Location.  Tliis  left  four 
streets.  In  naming  them  the  Commissioners  concluded  to 
compliment  the  Speaker  of  the  Senate,  William  Lenoir;  the 
Speaker  of  the  House,  Stephen  Cabarrus;  the  former  owner 
of  the  land,  Joel  Lane,  and  lastly,  General  William  Rich- 
ardson Davie.  Why  Davie  was  selected  for  this  honor  over 
other  great  men  of  the  day  we  can  only  conjecture.  My 
opinion  is  clear  that  it  was  the  work  of  his  townsman,  the 
very  influential  Willie  Jones.  Davie  was  an  active  mem- 
ber of  the  Convention  of  1788,  and  of  the  General  Assembly 
of  1791,  and  was  a  friend  of  the  movement  for  a  permanent 
capital. 

We  thus  have  parallel  to  Edenton  and  Morgan  streets, 
north  of  the  Capitol,  Jones  and  Lane;  to  the  south,  Hargett, 
Martin,  Davie,  Cabarrus  and  Lenoir.  Parallel  to  Wilming- 
ton and  Salisbury  are,  to  the  east,  Blount,  Person  and  Blood- 
worth  ;  to  the  west,  McDowell,  Dawson  and  Harrington.  All 
these  are  notable  names  in  our  State  history,  and  their  own- 
ers must  have  a  brief  notice. 

SHORT  BIOGRAPHIES  OF  COMMISSIONERS,  Etc. 

The  nine  commissioners  were — 

1.  Willie  Jones,  of  Halifax,  the  leader  of  the  Anti-Feder- 
alists, a  member  of  the  Provincial  Congress  at  Newbern  in 
1774,  chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  in  177G,  and,, 
therefore,  virtually  Governor;  a  member  of  the  Continental 
Congress  in  1780-81,  often  Senator  and  Commoner  in  the 
State  Legislature ;  so  fearful  of  the  loss  of  the  rights  of  the  peo- 
ple, that  he  refused  to  accept  a  seat  in  the  Constitutional  Con- 
vention of  1787  at  Philadelphia,  and  led  the  party  in  theState 
Convention  of  1788  opposed  to  the  adoption  of  the  Federal 
Constitution.  Although  no  orator,  he  w^as  a  most  adroit 
party  leader.  He  eventually  removed  to  Wake  county, 
buying  the  plantation  now  owned  in  part  bv  the  St.  Augus- 
2 


26 

tine  Normal  School,  and  is  buried  on  this  place,  without  a 
stone  to  mark  his  resling-place. 

2.  Frederick  Hargett,  chairman,  then  and  for  many  years 
Senator  from  Jones ;  a  colleague  of  Abner  Nash,  who  was  in 
the  House  of  Commons. 

3.  James  Martin,  a  fighting  colonel  of  militia  in  the  Revo- 
lution, who  had  participated  in  the  movement  which  led  to 
the  victory  of  Moore's  Creek  Bridge,  was  with  Rutherford  in 
the  expedition  wdiich  crushed  the  Cherokees  in  1776,  was 
one  of  the  militia  who  stood  their  ground  and  helped  cripple 
Cornwallis  at  Guilford  Court  House,  and  was  with  his  old 
commander,  Rutherford,  in  the  AVilmington  expedition  in 
1781.  After  the  war  he  was  a  trusted  legislator  from  Stokes. 
His  brother,  Nathaniel  Martin,  of  Guilford,  was  then  Gov- 
ernor, unanimously  elected,  having  likewise  held  that  office 
during  the  war.  From  the  Governor's  chair  he  was  elected 
to  the  Senate  of  the  United  States.  His  services  to  his  countr}" 
w^ere  of  such  high  order  that  posterity  must  forgive  him  for 
writing  rhymes,  which  he  called  poetry.  The  deed  from 
Joel  Lane  for  the  land  purchased  for  the  capital  was  to  him 
in  trust  for  the  State. 

4.  Thomas  Blount,  a  Revolutionary  officer,  elected  to  the 
National  House  of  Representatives  the  same  year,  afterwards 
Senator  from  Edgecombe.  His  wife  was  the  only  daughter 
of  General  Jethro  Sumner,  who  gave  her  the  name  of  Jacky 
Sullivan,  probably  after  General  John  (or  Jack)  Sullivan  of 
the  Revolutionary  army.  After  reaching  years  of  discre- 
tion she  changed  this  name  to  Mary  Sumner,  and,  doubtless 
because  her  husband  was  so  intimatelv  associated  with  the 
city  of  Raleigh,  she  bequeathed  a  considerable  sum  for  build- 
ing Christ  (Episcopal)  Church  in  the  city.  Thomas  Blount 
was  of  an  eminent  family.  His  father,  Jacob  Blount,  of 
Blount  Hall  in  Pitt,  was  a  member  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress during  the  Revolutionary  struggles.  Of  his  sons,  Wil- 
liam Blount  was  a  member  of  Congress  of  the  Confederacy, 
and  as  member  of  the  Convention  of  1787  signed  the  Fed- 
eral Constitution.  He  was  afterwards  Senator  of  the  United 
States  and  Governor  of  Tennessee.  John  Gray  Blount,  who 
was  also  in  the  Revolutionary  army,  was  a  useful  member 
of  the  Legislature  and  one  of  the  largest  landowners  in  the 
State;  Major  Reading  Blount  was  a  Revolutionary  officer  and 
likewise  a  member  of  the  Assembly,  and  Willie  Blount  was 
Governor  and  Judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Tennessee. 
The  very  promising  University  student  whom  we  recently 
followed  sorrowingly  to  your  cemetery,  Lawrence   Branch 


27 

Jones,  and  also  his  uncle,  William  Augustus  Blount  Branch, 
member  of  Congress  from  the  first  district,  are  lineal  descend- 
ants of  Jacob  Blount. 

5.  Thomas  Person,  the  wealthy  sympathizer  with  the  Regu- 
lators, as  long  as  they  adopted  lawful  measures  for  tiie 
redress  of  their  grievances,  was  a  general  of  militia  in  the  early 
Revolution,  a  trusted  legislator  from  his  native  Granville,  a 
benefactor  of  the  University.  After  him  a  county  is  named, 
as  well  as  a  Hall  at  the  University,  the  first  chapel  of  the 
institution. 

G.  James  Blood  worth,  who  had  many  times  represented  New 
Hanover  in  the  House  of  Commons,  was  afterwards  JState 
Senator.  He  was  a  son  of  Timothy  Blood  worth,  a  gunmaker, 
who  attained  the  dignity  of  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Com- 
mons, a  delegate  from  our  State  to  the  Confederate  Congress, 
a  rep resen tali ve  in  the  Congress  of  the  Union,  a  Senator  of 
the  United  States.  It  has  been  generally  believed  that  the 
father  was  the  Commissioner  of  Location,  but  the  record 
shows  otherwise. 

7.  Col.  Joseph  McDowell,  the  elder,  of  Quaker  Meadows, 
is  to  be  distinguished  from  Captain  Joseph  McDowell,  junior, 
of  Pleasant  Garden,  his  cousin  and  a  physician.  Both  of 
them  served  against  the  Cherokees  under  Rutherford,  shared 
in  the  victories  of  Ramsour's  mill,  of  King's  mountain  and 
of  Cowpens;  both  were  often  members  of  the  Legislature 
from  Burke;  both  were  members  of  Congress,  taking  active 
part  against  the  Alien  and  Sedition  Laws;  both  were  leaders 
of  the  anti-Federalist  party  in  the  West,  and  resisted  in  the 
Convention  of  1778  the  immediate  and  unconditional  ratifi- 
cation of  the  Federal  Constitution  ;  both  were  in  the  Con- 
vention of  1789,  but  divided  in  their  votes,  the  elder  still 
adhering  to  his  opposition.  Joseph  McDowell,  the  elder, 
brother  of  General  Charles  McDowell,  of  Quaker  Meadows, 
and  afterwards  of  John's  river,  was  the  Commissioner.  He 
was,  in  1792,  Senator  from  Burke;  his  cousin,  of  Pleasant 
Garden,  now*  in  McDowell  count}',  being  at  home.  I  will 
add  that  he  left  only  two  daughters,  who  removed  to  Vir- 
ginia, and  that  no  descendants  of  his  name  survive.  The 
parallelism  of  the  lives  of  these  tw^o  worthy  men  has  led  to 
grievous  entanglement  by  the  annalists,  and  we  are  indebted 
to  Judge  A.  C.  Avery  of  the  Supreme  Court  for  most  careful 
work  in  distinguishing  them. 

8.  William  Johnston  Dawson,  of  Chowan,  son  of  Colonel 
John  Dawson  and  Penelope  Eden,  daughter  of  Governor 
Gabriel  Johnston,  repeatedly  in  the  State  Legislature,  was  a 


28 

member  of  Congress,  a  man  of  refinement  and  culture  and 
of  great  influence  in  the  Albemarle  countr}'. 

9.  Henry  William  Harrington,  an  officer  of  influence  in 
the  Revolutionary  struggle,  was  a  member  of  the  Legislature 
from  Richmond  county,  a  planter  of  immense  estates  and 
baronial  style  of  living.  His  son,  of  the  same  name,  was  a 
member  of  the  Convention  of  1835,  and  lived  on  his  13,000- 
acre  estate  on  the  Pee  Dee,  amid  his  cotton  fields,  and  his 
slaves,  and  his  fine  horses,  his  deer,  foxes  and  wildcats,  "like 
a  fine  old  English  gentleman  all  of  the  olden  time." 

These  were  the  Commissioners.  Streets  were  likewise 
called,  as  I  have  said,  in  honor  of — 

1.  AVilliam  Lenoir,  Speaker  of  the  Senate,  a  hero  of  King's 
Mountain,  and  of  other  important  Revolutionary  campaigns, 
whose  name  is  likewise  atiixed  to  an  eastern  county  and  a 
western  town,  the  first  president  and  last  survivor  of  the 
sixty  eminent  men  who  constituted  the  first  Board  of  Trus- 
tees of  the  University  of  North  Carolina. 

2.  Stephen  Cabarius,  an  immigrant  from  France,  with  the 
courtesy  and  polish  characteristic  of  that  country.  Speaker 
of  the  House  of  Commons  for  years,  greatly  beloved,  not 
only  by  the  people  of  his  adopted  county,  Chowan,  but  by 
the  whole  State.  His  name  is  perpetuated  by  one  of  the 
richest  counties,  as  well  as  by  this  street  in  the  capital. 

3.  Joel  Lane,  who  deserved  the  honor  not  only  because  he 
was  the  owner  of  the  site,  but  because  of  his  military  ser- 
vices as  colonel  of  militia,  and  his  faithfully  representing 
the  county  of  AVake  in  the  Colonial  Assemblies,  the  State 
Congresses  and  the  State  Senate,  of  unbounded  hospitality 
and  winning  personality,  whose  ancestors  had  been  useful 
citizens  in  the  Albemarle  countr}^  and  then  in  Halifax.  The 
grandsons  of  his  brother,  Jesse  Lane,  became  eminent  in 
distant  States.  General  Je seph  Lane  was  Federal  Senator 
from  Oregon,  and  candidate  for  the  Vice-Presidency  on  the 
Breckinridge  ticket;  Henry  S.  Lane,  Governor  and  Federal 
Senator  of  Indiana,  and  George  AV.  Lane  was  District  Judge 
of  the  United  States  for  Alabama.  Joel  Lane's  descendants, 
through  his  son  Henry — two  of  whose  daughters  married 
the  eminent  lawyer,  Moses  Mordecai — are  still  among  us. 

4.  Lastl}^,  there  was  William  Richardson  Davie,  a  gallant 
cavalry  officer,  then  at  the  special  request  of  General  Greene 
undertaking  the  arduous  task  of  feeding  his  army  as  Com- 
missary General,  but  with  the  stipulation  that  if  he  should 
be  present  at  a  battle  he  might  engage  in  active  conflict. 
After  the  war  an  eloquent  and  successful  lawyer,  a  strong 


29 

advocate  of  the  education  of  the  people,  bringing  into  life 
the  dormant  claase  of  the  Constituiion  which  requires  "one 
or  more  universities"  of  the  Slate,  and  hence  earning  the 
honorable  title  of  "  Father  of  the  University."     He  was  for 
years  a  member  of  the  State  Legislature.     At  the  time  of  the 
location  of  our  city  he  was,  as  one  of  our  North  Carolina 
Commissioners,  engaged  in  running  our  southwestern  boun- 
dary  line  from  a  point  "on  the  great  road   leading  from 
Charlotte  to  Camden,  near  the  Waxahaw  creek,  as  far  as  the 
eastern  boundary  line  of  the  territory  ceded  by  the  State  of 
N'^rth  Carolina  lo  the  United  States."     He  was  one  of  the 
delegates  from  North  Carolina  to  the  Constitutional  Conven- 
tion of  1787  and  in  the  State  Conventions  of  1788  and  of 
llbd,  he  was  an  ardent  advocate  of  the  ratification  of  the 
Federal  Constitution.     He  was  afterwards  Governor  of  the 
State,  and,  on  the  prospect  of  a  war  with  France,  was  ap- 
pointed bv    President  Adams  a    Brigadier  General   in   the 
Army  of  the  United  States.     He  was  selected  by  the  Presi- 
dent as  one  of  the  three  special  envoys  to  France  who  suc- 
ceeded in  averting  the  war. 

I  have  been  thus  minute  in  describing  those  whose  names 
are  prominently  connected  with  the  inauguration  of  our  city, 
because  it  is  of  great  importance  that  our  people  shall 
keep  in  mind  their  virtues,  and  recognize  that  we  have 
something  in  our  past  history  to  be  proud  of.  Reverence 
for  the  past  tends  to  make  its  possessor  purer  and  better.  I 
think  all  Raleigh  children  should  be  taught  these  facts  as 
an  essential  part  of  their  education.  The  rulers  and  teachers 
of  powerful  and  conquering  nations  have  deemed  it  wise  to 
stimulate  State  pride  in  their  citizens  by  inventing  legends  of 
the  great  deeds  of  prehistoric  founders.  Rome  had  herRoniu- 
lus,  Athens  her  Theseus,  Sparta  her  Heracles;  and  so  with 
all  the  notable  cities  of  antiquity.  It  is  the  g:ood  fortune  of 
our  city  to  have  founders  whose  virtues  and  patriotic  acts 
are  recorded  in  truthful  history.  Let  us  give  them  the 
abundant  honor  which  is  their  due,  and  our  children  will 
be  stimulated  to  imitate  them. 

The  feeling  of  pride  which  we  should  have  on  account  of 
our  city's  beginnings  being  associated  with  such  excellent 
men,  should  be  heightened  by  reflecting  on  the  brilliant 
soldier,  statesman  and  man  of  letters,  Sir  Walter  Raleigh, 
after  whom  the  city  was  named.  It  is  true  that  he  did  not 
set  foot  on  our  soil.  It  is  true  that  his  designs  s^em  to  have 
come  to  naught,  his  vast  expenditures  wasted,  that  the  cor- 
ner-stone of  the  projected   city  of  Raleigh   on  the  distant 


30 

Roanoke  Island  was  never  laid,  and  only  mournful  memo- 
ries are  associated  with  his  efforts  at  colonization,  yet  the 
greatness  of  his  aims,  his  sacrifices  and  his  splendid  virtues, 
merit  this  honor.  He  was  not  faultless,  but  it  is  fortunate 
that  our  city's  name  should  bring  to  our  mind  one  of  the 
noblest  and  most  accomplished  knights  of  his  age. 

DETAILS  OF  THE  PLAN. 

Reverting  to  the  original  plan  of  the  city  we  find  that, 
counting  the  two  boundary  streets,  there  are  from  north  to 
south  12  streets,  of  which  11  are  66  feet  wide  and  one  90  feet; 
from  east  to  west  there  are  11  streets,  of  which  10  are  G6  feet 
wide  and  one  99  feet.  From  north  to  south  there  are  18  one- 
acre  lots;  from  east  to  west  16  one-acre  lots.  Including  the 
boundary  streets,  the  city  was  4,581  feet  from  north  to  south, 
and  4,097f  from  east  to  west,  supposing  that  the  lots  are  208f 
feet  square.  If  the  lots  are  210  feet  square,  as  they  are 
usually  estimated,  then  the  distance  is  north  to  south  4,605 
feet,  east  to  west  4,059. 

The  plan  w^as  not,  however,  a  perfect  rectangle.  Between 
Lane  and  Xorth  streets  at  the  northeast  and  northwest  cor- 
ners were  left  out  three  lots  of  one  acre  each,  and  between 
Lenoir  and  South  streets,  at  the  southeast  and  southw^est  cor- 
ners, were  left  out  three  lots  of  one  acre  each,  or  a  total  of 
twelve  acres.  There  were,  therefore,  only  ten  lots  fronting  on 
North  and  ten  fronting  on  South  street.  Our  sagacious  found- 
ers by  this  arrangement  intended  to  provide,  in  addition  to 
the  five  public  squares  established  bv  them,  that  when  future 
extensions  of  the  city  limits  should  be  made  there  should 
be  four  other  squares  or  little  parks  for  playgrounds  for  chil- 
dren, for  flowers  and  trees  and  fountains.  When  afterwards 
the  General  Assembly  ordered  sales  of  land  outside  the  old 
city  limits,  the  plan  of  leaving  these  areas  open  for  public 
recreation  grounds  was  adhered  to.  It  was  reserved  for  the 
men  of  the  last  forty  years,  w^ho  think,  because  they  have 
travelled  on  railroads  and  talked  through  wires,  that  they 
are  far  wiser  than,  their  forefathers,  to  close  the  southwest 
reservation  with  an  asylum,  and  to  sell  the  others  for  build- 
ing-lots. 

The  lots  are  numbered  as  follows,  starting  w4th  No.  1,  the 
extreme  southeast  lot,  between  South  and  Lenoir  streets  ;  then 
running  regularly  west  to  No.  10,  inclusive  ;  then  returning, 
No.  11  is  the  extreme  southeast  lot,  adjoining  Blood  worth, 
East  and  Lenoir;  then  the  numbers  run  regularly  to  West 


31 

street,  the  last  being  No.  26  ;  beginning  again  with  No.  27  at 
the  eastern  end  of  Cabarrus  street  north  of  No.  11,  and  so  on 
from  east  to  west  regularly  sixteen  numbers  in  each  tier  until 
Lane  street  is  passed,  there  being  only  ten  numbers  north  of 
Lane,  as  there  are  ten  south  of  Lenoir. 

Union  or  Capitol  Square  does  not  interfere  with  this  sys- 
tem of  numbering,  there  being  a  square  numbered  acre  in 
each  corner  with  the  width  of  Fayetteville  and.  liillsboro 
streets  added. 

All  the  public  squares  are  four  acres  each,  except  Union, 
which  is  about  six  acres.  All  the  private  squares  are  four 
acres  each,  except  those  along  Hillsboro  and  Newbern  streets 
on  both  sides,  those  along  Halifax  and  PXvetteville  streets 
on  both  sides,  and  those  along  North,  East,  South  and  West 
streets,  which  are  not,  mathematically  speaking,  squares,  but 
rectangles  of  two  acres  each.  The  acres  as  laid  out  by  surveyor 
Christmas  were  each  20S|  feet  square,  the  true  acre,  but  the 
•conventional  acre  of  210  feet  square  has  been  adopted  practi- 
cally. This  departure  and  the  variation  of  the  compass 
since  1792  have  caused  considerable  confusion  in  the  bounda- 
ries of  lots  and  streets. 

In  1867  Governor  Worth,  Secretary  of  State  Best,  Treasurer 
Battle  and  Auditor  Burgin,  then  having  the  public  property 
under  their  charge,  employed  General  Walter  Gwynne,  the 
eminent  civil  engineer  of  the  North  Carolina  Railroad  Com- 
pany, to  make  a  survey  and  draw  a  map  showing  the  boun- 
daries of  the  land  then  owned  by  the  State.  His  assistant 
was  a  very  competent  surveyor,  a  citizen  of  Raleigh,  Mr. 
John  W.  Johnson.  They  found,  as  also  did  Mr.  Feudal 
Bevers,  County  Surveyor,  that  the  city  of  1867  did  not  ex- 
actly correspond  with  the  plan  of  1792,  there  being  many 
encroachments  on  the  streets.  As,  however,  these  streets 
have  been  wide  enough  to  accommodate  all  using  them  for 
pleasure  or  business,  the  cit}^  authorities  have  not  seen  fit  to 
resist  these  encroachments. 

The  Commissioners  made  their  report  to  the  General  As- 
sembly of  1792  and  it  was  adopted.  It  was  enacted  that 
"the  several  streets  represented  in  the  plan,  and  the  public 
square  whereon  the  State-house  is  to  be  built,  shall  be  called 
and  forever  known  by  the  names  given  to  them  respectively 
by  the  Commissioners  aforesaid."  It  was  also  enacted  that 
the  other  lour  public  squares  shall  be  called  and  known  by 
the  names  of  Caswell,  Moore,  Na^h  and  Burke  squares,  but 
the  i.ames  were  not  made  irrepealable. 


32 

The  plan  of  the  city  thus  laid  out  and  adopted  by  the 
General  Assembly  continued  unchanged  for  over  sixty  years. 
By  the  General  Assembly  of  185(3-57  the  corporate  limits 
were  extended  one-fourth  of  a  mile  each  way.  Within  this 
new  part  other  streets  have  been  opened,  e.  g.,  in  the  eastern 
part  Swain  street,  after  David  L.Swain,  who  held  the  posts  of 
legislator.  Solicitor,  Judge,  Governor,  and  then  spent  over 
one-third  ol  a  century  in  training  the  young  men  of  the 
South,  as  President  of  the  University  ;  Linden  avenue,  a  fancy 
name.  West  of  the  Capitol,  Boy  Ian  street,  after  William  Boy- 
Ian,  who  will  be  particularly  mentioned  hereafter;  Saunders 
street,  after  Romulus  M.  Saunders,  long  a  public  servant  as 
member  of  our  General  Assembly  and  of  Congress,  Judge 
and  Minister  to  Spain.  North  of  the  Capitol  are  Peace  street, 
after  William  Peace,  a  leading  merchant  for  many  years, 
after  whom  Peace  Institute  is  named  ;  Johnson  street,  after 
Albert  Johnson,  connected  with  the  Raleigh  and  Gasion 
Railroad  from  its  completion  to  a  few  years  ago,  as  engineer,- 
superintendent  of  shops  and  sufierintendeiit  of  the  road  ;  * 
Polk  street,  after  Col.  William  Polk,  who  will  be  specially 
mentioned  hereafter.  South  of  the  Capitol  are  Smithfield 
street,  after  the  town  of  Smithfield;  Cannon  street,  after  Robert 
Cannon,  once  a  leading  citizen,  owner  of  the  land  through 
which  it  runs;  Manly  street,  after  Charles  Manly,  Governor, 
and  for  manv  years  identified  with  the  University  as  its  Sec- 
retary and  Treasurer:  Fowle,  after  our  distinguished  Gov- 
ernor, whose  sudden  death  was  such  a  shock  to  our  State; 
Blake  street,  after  John  C.  Blake,  a  Commissioner;  and  Pugh 
street,  after  John  Pugh  Haywood. 

FIRST  SALES. 

The  same  Commissioners  who  located  the  city  made  the 
first  sale  of  lots,  one  acre  each.  All  but  forty-two  found 
purchasers.  Most  were  apparently  bought  on  speculation 
by  men  who  did  not  intend  to  become  citizens.  Of  the  Com- 
missioners, Blount  became  purchaser  of  four  lots,  Timoth}^ 
and  James  Blood  worth  seven,  W.  J.  Dawson  one,  Joseph 
McDowell  three,  Frederick  Hargett  one,  James  Martin  one, 
while  Willie  Jones  became  the  owner  of  fifteen  acres  of  the 
new  city,  though  not  all  in  one  hod}^  Joel  Lane  regained 
six  acres  of  his  former  land.  William  Richardson  Davie 
bought  four,  Governor  Martin  and  the  Speaker  of  the  House, 

*  Mr.  Johnson  was  the  first  engineer  of  the  "  Tornado,"  one  of  the  earliest  engines 
of  the  Raleigh  and  Gaston  Railroad,  and  upon  the  occasion  of  the  Centennial  of 
October  18th,  1892,  he  gallantly  rode  with  the  reproduced  Tornado  in  the  parade. 


33 

Cabarrus,  bought  one  each.  Samuel  Ashe,  Benjamin  Smith, 
David  Stone,  and  Gabriel  Holmes,  all  destined  to  be  Gov- 
ernors, and  John  Baptist  Ashe  of  Halifax,  elected  Governor, 
but  dying  before  inauguration,  became  owners  of  one  or  two 
lots  each.  John  Craven,  the  Comptroller,  and  John  Hay- 
wood, the  Treasurer,  purchased  two  lots  each,  but  built 
houses  on  others  bought  afterwards.  The  dwelling  built 
by  Treasurer  Haywood  on  the  l(>t  owned  by  his  son,  Dr. 
E.  Burke  Haywood,  is  the  only  house  still  owned  and  occu- 
pied by  the  family  of  the  original  builder.  It  is  in  accord- 
ance with  the  instability  of  the  ownership  of  landed  prop- 
erty in  America  that  the  only  lots  owned  by  the  heirs  of  the 
original  purchaser  are  numbers  140,  141,  15H,  and  157, 
bought  b}^  Richard  Bennehan.  Davie  purchased  the  square 
of  four  acres  now  the  residence  of  Dr.  T.  D.  Hogg.  The 
square  now  occupied  by  the  Agricultural  building  became 
the  property  of  Thomas  E.  Sumner,  son  of  General  Jethro 
Sumner;  the  site  of  the  Federal  court-house  and  post-oflicet 
passed  to  Timothy  Blood  worth  ;  that  occupied  by  the  Yar- 
borough  house  and  the  court-house  lot  opposite  to  Theophi- 
lus  Hunter.  Numbers  138  and  154  were  reserved  as  State 
brickyards,  in  analogy  to  the  Tuilleries  (or  tile  yards)  of  Paris, 
though  no  grand  palace  was  built  on  them.  All  the  lots 
south  of  Cabarrus  street,  forty-two  in  number,  were  returned 
unsold.  The  report  of  the  Commissioners  cannot  be  found, 
and  is  not  printed  in  the  legislative  journals,  but  our  very 
efficient  State  Librarian,  J.  C.  Birdsjng,  has  recovered  an 
old  map  with  prices  marked  on  it.  I  give  those  of  some 
prominent  lots. 

The  square  on  which  Dr.  Hogg  lives,  bought  by  General 
Davie,  brought  $254  for  the  four  acres  ;  the  two  lots  front- 
ing on  Burke  Square  cost  him  §66  and  §68;  the  tw^o  others 
only  §60  each ;  No.  '211,  on  w^hich  the  Agricultural  building 
and  Supreme  Court  building  are  situate,  brought  £131  10s., 
or  §263;  No.  162,  the  acre  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Fay- 
etteville  and  Morgan  street,  next  Union  Square,  brought 
§232.  This  was  very  soon  tlie  site  of  Casso's  tavern.  The 
acre  opposite  where  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association 
home  stands,  §222.  No.  227,  the  next  to  the  Agricultural 
building  on  the  north  brought  only  §92.  Lot  No.  79,  where 
Colonel  W.  J.  Hicks  resides,  brought  §79. 

I  was  painfully  surprised  in  comparing  the  map  of  1834 
with  that  of  1793  to  find  that  nearly  all  the  lots  had  changed 
owners.  The  only  exceptions  were  those  belonging  to  the 
heirs  of  Richard  Bennehan,  a  half  lot  to  W.  T.  Lane,  a  half 


34 

lot  to  Theophilus  Hunter,  one  lot  to  the  heirs  of  Lane,  and 
one,  boup^ht  by  Dempsey  Blake,  in  the  hands  of  Susannah 
Blake.  Not  one  of  these  owners,  except  possibly  the  last, 
became  residents.  There  is  a  tradition  that  most  of  those 
who  thus  speculated  on  the  early  prosperity  of  this  "city  ori 
paper  "  lost  money  on  their  ventures.  The  following  trans- 
actions in  our  real  estate  will  show  the  truth  of  this  conjec- 
ture:  In  1^01  one  quarter  of  an  acre,  part  of  No.  163,  on 
Fayetteville  street,  the  business  part  of  the  city,  sold  for  §00. 
A  lot  opposite,  fronting  21  feet  and  running  back  60  feet, 
brought  $165.  Away  from  Fayetteville  street  the  prices  were 
lower.  The  Wm.  Dallas  Haywood  lot  brought  860  per  acre. 
There  were  other  sales  of  eligible  sites  for  homes  as  low  as 
§50  per  acre. 

SALES  OF  1813. 

The  main  body  of  the  600  acres  of  land  retained  after  the 
first  sale  lay  to  the  east  of  Raleigh.  There  were  fragments 
lying  to  the  south,  west  and  north  of  the  old  corporate  limits. 
For  the  purpose  of  providing  better  accommodations  for  the 
Governor,  who  had  occupied  a  plain  residence  of  wood  on 
the  lot  where  the  Kaleigh  National  Bank  now  stands,  the 
General  Assembly  of  1813  ordered  the  sale  of  those  portions 
described  as  "  extending  from  Sugg's  branch  on  the  southeast 
of  the  city,  all  south  around  the  Palace  lot  and  west  to  the 
extreme  northwest  of  the  city,"  comprising  about  18-1  acres. 
It  seems  strange  that  this  action  should  have  been  taken 
while  the  war  of  1812  was  raging.  The  prices,  as  might  be 
expected,  were  low.  Eight  acres  at  the  end  of  Fayetteville 
street  were  reserved  for  the  Governor's  house.  Other  reser- 
vations were  the  Rex  spring  near  the  Raleigh  and  Gaston 
depot,  the  spring  near  the  Governor's  Mansion,  and  that  near 
the  Colored  Deaf  and  Dumb  Asylum. 

It  was  at  this  sale  that  John  Rex,  the  tanner,  a  worthy  citi- 
zen, bought  for  §181  15J  acres  of  the  land  in  the  southwest 
part  of  the  city  devised  by  him  with  other  property  for  an 
infirmary  or  hospital  for  the  sick  and  afHicted  poor  of  the 
city  of  Raleigh.  This  is  only  about  §31  per  acre.  The  Com- 
missioners entrusted  with  the  sale  were  Henry  Potter  of 
Raleish,  a  lawyer,  afterwards  Judge  of  the  District  Court  of 
the  United  States;  Henry  Seawell,  who  will  be  described 
hereafter;  William  Hinton,  often  Senator  from  Wake,  and 
Nathaniel  Jones  of  Crablree,  often  Senator  and  Congressman; 
Theophilus  Hunter  and  William  Peace. 


35 


The  proceeds  of  sale  were  devoted  to  the  building,  under 
the  superintendence  of  one  Calder,  as  architect,  ot  the  Gov- 
ernor's  Mansion  at  the  foot  of  Fayetteville  street,  which  was 
afterwards  in  1876  sold  to  the  city  of  Raleigh,  and  the  bricks 
composing  it  were  used  in  the  construction  ot  the  Centennial 
Graded  School.     Although  outwardly  plain  and  inwardly 
uncomfortable,  it  was  considered  grand  on  account  ot  the 
magnitude  of  its  halls  and  chambers,  and  was,  there  ore  in 
imitation  of  Tryon's  residence,  burnt  in  1798,  styled      1  he 
Palace"     The  first  occupant  was  Governor  \Villiam  Miller, 
of  Warren,  who  had  an  unenviable  notoriety  for  recklessness 
in  the  pardon  of  criminals.     Senator  Badger  told  me  of  this 
with  strong  disapproval.     He  added  that  Dr.  John  B.  Beck- 
with   father  of  Bishop  Beck  with  of  Georgia,  for  many  years 
a  most  skilful  physician  of  Raleigh,  afterwards  of  Peters- 
buro-  in  Virginia,  denounced  in  the  strongest  language  the 
recelit  pardon  of  a  vicious  criminal  convicted  of  a  capital 
felony      "  Well,"  said  Badger,  "  your  views  are  correct,  Doc- 
tor, but  you  have  no  right  to  complain.     I  saw  your  name 
signed  to  the  petition  for  executive  clemencv.     1  r«^\sed  to 
sign,  and  I  have  the  right  to  complain."     "  I  admit  that  I 
signed  it,"  said  the  Doctor,  "  but  I  did  not  think  that  Gov- 
ernor Miller  would  be  such  a  fool  as  to  pay  any  attention  to 
a  petition." 

SALES  OF  1819. 

In  1819  five  Commissioners  were  appointed  to  sell  all  the 
public  lands  remaining  unsold,  except  a  tract  not  exceeding 
twenty  acres  to  be  reserved  for  the  rock  quarry,  and  except  the 
reservations  at  the  corners  of  the  city.  The  first  Commissioner 
named  was  Duncan  Cameron,  long  one  of  the  most  influen- 
tial men  in  the  State  as  lawyer,  judge,  legislator,  bank  presi- 
dent, planter,  then  a  resident  of  Orange.  The  others  were 
John  Winslow,  the  Commoner  from  the  borough  of  l^  ay^t^.e- 
ville  •  Joseph  Gales,  who  will  be  particularly  described  ;  W  il- 
liam  Robards  of  Granville,  the  State  Treasurer  and  Henry 
Potter  alreadv  mentioned.  The  "  Mordecai  Grove,  as  it 
was  called  for  many  years,  northeast  of  the  city  limits  owing 
to  the  spirited  competition  between  Moses  Mordecai,  the  suc- 
cessful bidder,  and  Col.  William  Polk,  brought  the  unheard 
of  price  of  100  per  acre.  The  lots  near  the  city  on  the  east 
and  southeast  averaged  about  $50  per  acre. 


36 

THE  FIRST  STATE-HOUSE. 

The  proceeds  of  the  sales  of  1792  were  used  in  building  the 
first  State  house,  as  it  was  called  in  the  Act  of  Asseinbly,  the 
name  taken  from  the  United  States  of  Holland.  The  more 
ambitious  term  "Capitol"  was  not  adopted  until  1832.  The 
architect  w^as  Rhody  Atkins.  The  bricks  were  made  in  the 
State  yards,  Nos.  138  and  154,  and  burnt  with  w^ood  cut  from 
the  State  forests  The  maximum  cost  fixed  by  the  Assembly 
was  $20,000,  and  this  amount  probaVjly  was  sufficient  for  the 
rude  brick  structure,  whose  barnlike,  dingy,  reddish  walls 
loomed  up  among  the  primeval  oaks,  and  was  reaHy  for 
occupancy  two  years  later.  In  November,  1794,  the  General 
Assembly  met  in  it  for  the  first  time.  Richard  Dobbs  Spaight, 
the  elder,  was  the  Governor,  the  same  who  eight  yeard  after- 
wards was  slain  in  a  duel  by  John  Stanly. 

The  old  State-house  was  smaller  than  the  present  structure, 
but  the  arrangement  of  the  interior  was  about  the  same. 
The  exterior  was  as  plain  as  a  gigantic  dog-kennel,  but 
it  is  doubtful  if  any  building  in  our  State  ever  served  so 
many  uses  or  gave  as  much  genuine  pleasure.  As  there  was 
no  other  public  hall  in  the  city,  the  authorities  were  sjener- 
ous  in  opening  its  passages  below  and  halls  above  for  Fourth 
of  July  dinners,  theatrical  performances,  dancing  balls,  and 
the  religious  congregations  of  all  denominations.  Many  a 
side  has  been  split  with  laughter,  many  a  throat  made 
hoarse  with  patriotic  singing  and  furious  shouting,  many  a 
head  made  to  swim  with  Fourth  of  July  brandy  and  rum, 
many  a  heart  transfixed  through  and  through  by  the  dart 
of  the  God  of  Love,  many  a  fantastic  toe  has  been  tripped 
in  the  jocund  jig  and  livel}^  reel,  many  eloquent  speeches  or 
sermons  uttered  by  zealous  legislators  or  preachers  burning 
with  missionary  zeal,  in  that  homely  old  building.  It  was 
the  people's  house  and  the  people  were  allowed  to  use  it. 

The  net  proceeds  of  the  sales  of  1819  were  used  in  im- 
proving this  structure.  A  skilled  architect,  Captain  William 
Nichols,  was  employed.  He  disguised  the  ferruginous  ugli- 
ness of  the  walls  with  stuccoed  imitation  of  granite.  On 
the  centre  of  the  roof  a  shapely  dome  was  raised.  Over  the 
east  and  west  doors  were  placed  handsome  porticoes  The 
interior  received  touches  of  ornament.  The  commissioners 
had  the  nerve  and  the  love  of  art  to  order  from  the  great 
Canova  one  of  his  grandest  statues,  in  Carrara  marble,  of  the 
Father  of  our  country.  It  was  brought  by  water  to  Fayette- 
ville,  and  thence  by  sixteen  or  twenty-mule  power  to  Raleigh. 


6i 


It  was  escorted  into  the  city  in  grand  style  by  the  Raleigh 
Blues,  their  color-bearer  perched  on  the  monument,  and 
enthusiasticallv  waving  his  flag. 

It  was  placed  in  the  rotunda  under  the  dome.  It  was  a  mat- 
ter of  deepest  pride  that  the  eminent  Marquis  de  LaFayette, 
who  with  chivalric  devotion  had  left  his  young  wife  and  the 
delights  of  a  luxurious  home,  together  with  the  certainty  of 
hio-h  places  at  court,  and  had  fought  under  the  eye  of  ^\ash- 
inaton  for  the  liberties  of  a  struggling  people,  who  had  then 
striven  vainly,  but  with  the  admiration  of  the  world,  to  pro- 
vide  for    France    constitutional    freedom    without    bloodv 
anarchv,  who  had  in  his  old  age  come  to  visit  the  grateful 
people  whom  he  had  helped  to  self-government,  had  stood 
at  the  base  of  Canova's  statue  and  praised  its  workmanship 
and  its  resemblance  to  its  great  original.     It  is  fortunate 
that  we  have  here  to-night  an  engraving  ot  the  scene.     Ihe 
lady  with  him  is  the  late  verv  accomplished  Ehzabeth  Fagies 
Havwood,  daughter  of  Treasurer  John  Haywood,  with  whom 
LaFavette  had   just  dined.     She  was  known  generally  as 
Miss  Betsey  John  Haywood,  to  distinguish  her  trom   Miss 
Bet«ev  Henry  Haywood,  her  cousin,  afterwards  wife  of  Gov- 
erno/Dudlev.     The  boy  is  George  West,  son  of  Major  John 
T  West  and  grandson  of  Joseph  Gales,  who  afterwards  was 
draughtsman  in  our  navy,  attached  to  Commodore  Perry  s 
Japan  expedition. 

BURNING  OF  THE  STATE-HOUSE. 

In  the  morning  of  a  bright  summer  day,  the  21st  of  June 
1831  the  citizens  rising  from  their  breakfasts  w^ere  startled 
with  the  cry  of  "  Fire!"  Volumes  of  smoke  were  seen  issuing 
from  the  ventilators  under  the  roof.  My  father  had  just 
stepped  out  of  his  hotel,  and  the  first  thing  he  saw  when  he 
looked  towards  the  building  were  owls  flying  from  the  attic 
window,  followed  by  lurid  flames.  If  the  city  had  owned 
our  present  fire  equipment,  under  Captain  Engelhard,  its 
efficient  Superintendent,  the  work  of  extinguishment  would 
have  been  easy,  but  the  efforts  of  the  puny  engines  ol  that 
dav  were  powerless.  As  the  fire  descended  leisurely  from 
the  roof  where  it  had  been  kindled  by  the  carelessness  ot  a 
workman,  there  was  ample  time  for  saving  mostof  the  btate 
papers,  but  all  the  Acts  of  Assembly  were  destroyed,  /"the 
excitement,although  there  werenumerouswillinehands,their 

strength  could  not  be  organized  for  removing  the  ponderous 
statue.     Old  citizens  never  forgot  their  horror  as  they  gazed 


38 

on  the  beautiful  marble,  white  hot  and  crumbling,  among 
the  forked  tongues  of  flame,  then  shattered  into  fraguDents 
as  the  blazing  timbers  fell.  Portionsof  the  statue,  including 
the  body  and  some  of  the  pedestal,  are  now  preserved  in  the 
State  museum. 

An  English  sculptor  of  eminence.  Ball  Hughes,  who 
became  an  American  citizen,  residing  in  New  York,  and 
then  near  Boston,  afterwards  came  and  looked  on  the  ruins 
of  Canova's  work,  and  avowed  his  ability  to  restore  it  for 
§3,000.  Tl)rough  the  influence  of  Judge  Gaston  a  contract 
was  made  with  him  by  legislative  enactment,  and  five  hun- 
dred dollars  was  advanced  for  preliminary  expenses.  Sign- 
ing the  receipt  for  this  money  was  the  last  act  done  by  him 
in  performance  of  his  work. 

The  loss  of  the  bound  copies  of  the  Acts  of  Assembly  was 
remedied  partly  by  purchase  of  straggling  volumes  in  the 
State,  but  mainly  by  the  bequest  of  Waightstill  Avery,  the 
first  Attorney  General. 

THE  GLASGOW  FRAUDS. 

The  State-house  came  near  destruction  by  fire  long  before 
this,  destruction  not  accidental,  but  with  the  design  to  screen 
criminals.     The  story  should  not  be  allowed  to  die. 

James  Glasgow  was  one  of  the  most  trusted  men  of  the 
Revolution.  He  was  one  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  the 
New^bern  district.  He  was  Major  of  the  regiment  of  Dobbs. 
When  liichard  Casw^ell  was  chosen  first  Governor  of  inde- 
pendent North  Carolina,  Glasgow  was  the  first  Secretar}^  of 
State.  When  the  name  of  Dobbs  was  expunged  from  our 
list  of  counties,  one  of  the  counties  taking  its  place  was  called 
Glasgow. 

But  North  Carolina  knows  how  to  punish  as  well  as  honor. 
The  name  of  Greene  has  supplanted  on  the  map  that  of  the 
obliterated  Glasgow,  and  on  the  records  of  the  ancient  and 
honorable  society  of  Masons  the  black  lines  of  disgrace  are 
drawn  around  the  signature  of  the  poor  wretch  expelled 
from  their  order  for  crime. 

In  1797  it  was  discovered  with  horror  that  Glasgow  was 
issuing  fraudulent  grants  of  land  in  Tennessee  and  Western 
North  Carolina.  He  had  many  accomplices,  men  of  daring, 
who  hesitated  not  to  destroy  evidence  against  them  by  poison 
or  fire  or  the  rifle  bullet. 

He  was  indicted  for  misdemeanor  in  office.  A  special 
tribunal,  afterwards  expanded  into  the  old  Supreme  Court, 


39 

was  created  for  the  trial  of  him  and  his  accomplices.  Judge 
John  Haywood,  for  a  $1,000  fee,  considered  enormousin  that 
day,  although  he  drew  the  act  constituting  the  new  court, 
left  the  bench  in  order  to  defend  liim.  Haywood's  removal 
to  Tennessee  was  probably  in  some  measure  caused  by  the 
disapproval  of  his  course  by  the  people. 

The  accomplices  of  Glasgow  were  not  content  to  trust  to 
the  skill  of  Haywood.  Certain  documents  in  the  Comptrol- 
ler's office  w^re  necessary  for  their  conviction.  It  was  })lan- 
ned  to  abstract  them  and  burn  the  State-house  in  which 
they  were  deposited.  Judges  McNairy  and  Tatom  heard  of 
the  plot  and  determined  to  anticipate  it.  A  messenger  was 
sent  in  the  depth  of  winter  over  precipitous  mountain  paths, 
through  swollen  torrents,  along  the  Indian  trails,  to  carry  to 
Governor  Samuel  Ashe  the  secret  letter  which  would  save 
our  State-house  and  our  archives.  A  trusty  watch  was  set, 
and  soon  a  negro  hired  for  the  purpose  was  caught  in  the 
act  of  breaking  into  the  Comptroller's  office.  Poor  Pliil 
Terrell,  the  victim  of  the  more  cunning  criminals,  died  a 
felon's  death  on  the  scafibld. 

THE  NEW  CAPITOL., 

These  narrow  escapes  from  losing  the  archives  of  the  State 
determined  the  leaders  of  public  opinion  to  provide  the 
present  noble  fire-proof  structure  of  granite.  There  was 
formidable  opposition  to  a  liberal  appropriation.  A  con- 
vention was  expected  to  be  called  in  order  to  secure  changes 
in  the  Constitution,  and  the  effort  to  have  the  seat  of  gov- 
ernment at  another  point  was  resumed.  Old  citizens  say 
that  Haywood,  at  the  junction  of  the  Cape  Fear  and  the 
Haw,  lacked  only  one  vote  to  defeat  Raleigh.  The  record 
does  not  support  this,  as  the  bill  to  appropriate  $50,000  for 
rebuilding  on  the  old  site,  passed  by  73  to  60  in  the  House, 
and  35  to  28  in  the  Senate,  but  the  traditional  vote  may 
have  been  in  the  "Committee  of  the  Whole." 

Citizens  of  Fayetteville  tell  me  that  the  Commoner  from 
that  borough,  a  lawyer  of  great  ability  and  force  of  charac- 
ter, Louis  D.  Henry,  became  odious  to  his  constituents  for 
not  pressing  the  claims  of  that  town  at  this  favorable  junc- 
ture. Some  charged,  not  openly,  for  he  w^as  a  man  of  hot 
temper,  and  had  killed  Thomas  J.  Stanly  in  a  duel,  that  he 
had  been  bribed,  but  there  was  no  evidence  of  this.  Nor 
did  the  odium,  I  think,  drive  him  to  remove  his  residence 
to  Raleigh,  because  this  change  did  not  take  place  until 


40 

fourteen  years  afterwards,  after  he  had,  as  the  Democratic 
nominee,  made  an  able  but  unsuccessful  canvass  against 
Morehead  for  the  governorship.  This  much  is  certain,  how- 
ever, that  although  repeatedly  theretofore  a  member,  he 
never,  after  1832,  represented  either  the  county  or  the  town 
in  the  Legislature. 

Judge  Henry  Seawell,  then  Senator  from  Wake,  is  cred- 
ited with  saving  our  city  from  the  threatened  ruin.  He 
procured  the  passage  of  tlie  bill  appropriating  $50,000  for 
the  erection  of  the  Capitol  on  the  old  site,  many  members 
being  persuaded  by  oversanguine  promises,  it  is  said,  that 
this  amount  would  finish  the  work. 

The  Commissioners,  who  had  the  nerve  to  expend  the 
whole  appropriation  in  laying  the  foundation  of  a  structure 
worthy  to  be  called  the  official  house  of  a  million  people, 
deserve  to  have  their  names  handed  down.  They  were  emi- 
nent for  business  talent  and  integrity.  They  were  William 
Boylan,  Duncan  Cameron,  William  S.  Mhoon,  Henry  Seawell 
and  Romulus  M.  Saunders.  All  were  Raleigh  men,  except 
William  S.  Mhoon,  of  Bertie,  who  was  a  temporary  resident, 
then  and  until  1835  Treasurer  of  the  State. 

The  act  was  adroitly  worded  so  as  to  appear  to  provide 
only  for  a  §50,000  building,  w^hile  its  legal  interpretation  as 
a  whole  undoubtedly  relieves  the  Commissioners  from  the 
charge  of  a  breach  of  trust.  It  was  provided  "that  the  gen- 
eral plan  of  the  said  Capitol  shall  be  the  same  as  the  former 
building,  wuth  such  extension  of  length  and  height  as  may 
be  deemed  necessary  for  the  better  accommodation  of  the 
General  Assembly,  the  lower  story  of  which,  at  least,  shall 
be  built  of  stone,  and  the  roof  covered  with  zinc  or  other  fire- 
proof material."  Another  section  authorized  the  Commis- 
sioners to  employ  an  architect  for  such  purposes  as  they 
"may  deem  necessary."  This  virtual  expression  of  opinion 
on  the  part  of  the  law-making  power  in  favor  of  a  larger 
building,  and  of  fire-proof  materials,  together  with  the  power 
to  call  in  an  expert,  shifts  the  burden  of  miscalculating  the 
expenditures  to  the  expert. 

My  experience  at  the  University  is  that,  as  a  rule,  the 
votaries  of  the  most  noble  profession  of  architecture  either 
are  little  gifted  with  prescience  or  feel  bound  only  by  a  slight 
tenure  to  respect  limitation  as  to  expenditures.  I  am  minute 
in  explaining  this  action  of  the  Commissioners  because  of 
the  common  belief  that  they  took  the  responsibilit}^  of  disre- 
garding the  statute  under  which  they  w^ere  acting.  Certain 
it  is  that  subsequent  General  Assemblies  ratified  their  action 


41 

by  additional  appropriations  until  the  completion  of  the 
Capitol  in  1840,  the  total  accounts  footing  up  to  the  grand 
total  of  $530,684.15. 

Probably  because  of  continued  grumbling  by  economical 
or  demagogical  members  of  the  Assembly  the  Commissioners 
first  api)ointed  resigned  their  offices  in  1836  and  were  suc- 
ceeded by  Samuel  F.  Patterson,  then  State  Treasurer ;  Bever- 
ley Daniel,  Charles  Manly,  Alfred  Jones  and  Charles  L.  Hin- 
ton,  after v\'ards  State  Treasurer;  men  deemed  worthy  of  all 
praise.     The  Commissioners  appointed  Daniel  as  chairman. 

Two  architects  were  consulted,  William  Nichols  (who 
repaired  the  old  building  in  1820)  and  Ithiel  Town,  of  New 
York.  The  latter  acted  for  a  short  while  as  the  chief  director, 
but  soon  his  services  were  dispensed  with  and  the  work  was 
left  to  W.  S.  Drummond,  Colonel  Thomas  Bragg,  father  of 
Governor  Bragg,  and  David  Baton,  superintendents  of  differ- 
ent branches.  Baton  was  the  chief  draughtsman.  Of  the 
foremen  and  skilled  laborers  employed  from  time  to  time 
some  settled  in  Raleigh  and  their  descendants  are  among  our 
best  citizens.  In  the  old  City  Cemetery  there  is  an  interest- 
ing group  of  slabs  marking  the  graves  of  those  w^hom  even 
the  salubrious  air  of  our  city  could  not  save  from  the  darts 
of  pallid  death. 

THE  NEW  CAPITOL  DESCRIBED. 

The  following  is  a  complete  description  of  the  new  build- 
ing, written  by  architect  David  Baton: 

"The  State  Capitol  is  160  feet  in  length  from  north  to 
south,  by  140  feet  from  east  to  west.  The  whole  height  is  OTJ- 
feet  in  the  centre.  The  apex  of  pediment  is  64  feet  in  height. 
The  stylobate  is  IS  feet  in  height.  The  columns  of  the  east 
and  west  porticoes  are  5  feet  2J  inches  in  diameter.  An 
entablature,  including  blocking  course,  is  continued  around 
the  building,  12  feet  high. 

"The  columns  and  entablature  are  Grecian  Doric,  and 
copied  from  the  Temple  of  Minerva,  commonly  called  the- 
Barthenon,  w^hich  was  erected  in  Athens  about  500  years- 
before  Christ.  An  octagon  tower  surrounds  the  rotunda, 
which  is  ornamented  with  Grecian  cornice,  etc.,  and  its  dome 
is  decorated  at  top  with  a  similar  ornament  to  that  of  the 
Choragic  Monument  of  Lysicrates,  commonly  called  the 
Lanthorn  of  Demosthenes. 

"  The  interior  of  the  Capitol  is  divided  into  three  stories  : 


42 

"First,thelowerstory, consisting  often  rooms,eight  of  which 
are  appropriated  as  offices  to  the  Governor,  Secretary,  Treas- 
urer, and  Comptroller,  each  liaving  two  rooms  of  the  same 
size — the  one  containing  an  area  of  649  square  feet,  the  other 
528  square  feet — the  two  committee  rooms,  each  containing  200 
square  feet,  and  four  closets;  also  the  rotunda,  corridors, 
vestibules  and  piazzas,  contain  an  area  of  4,370  square  feet. 
The  vestibules  are  decorated  with  columns  and  anta3,  similar 
to  that  of  the  Ionic  Temple  on  the  Ilissus,  near  the  Acropolis  of 
Athens.  The  remainder  is  groined  with  stone  and  brick, 
springing  from  columns  and  pilasters  of  the  Roman  Doric. 

"Tlie  second  story  consists  of  Senatorial  and  Representatives' 
chambers,  the  former  containing  an  area  of  2,545  and  the  lat- 
ter 2,849  square  feet.  Four  apartments  enter  from  Senate 
chamber,  two  of  which  contain  each  an  area  of  169  square 
feet,  and  the  other  two  contain  each  an  area  of  154  square 
feet;  also  two  rooms  enter  from  Representatives'  chamber, 
each  containing  an  area  of  170  square  feet;  of  two  commit- 
tee rooms,  each  containing  an  area  of  231  feet;  of  four 
presses  and  the  passages,  stairs,  lobbies  and  colonades,  con- 
taining an  area  of  3,204  square  feet. 

"  The  lobbies  and  hall  of  Representatives  have  their  col- 
umns and  ant«  of  the  Octagon  Tower  of  Andronicus 
Cyrrhestes,  and  the  plan  of  the  hall  is  of  the  formation  of 
the  Greek  theatre,  and  the  columns  and  antae  in  the  Senato- 
rial chamber  and  rotunda  are  of  the  Temple  of  Erectheus, 
•Minerva  Polias  and  Pandrosus,  in  the  Acropolis  of  Athens, 
near  the  above-named  Parthenon. 

"  Third,  or  attic  story,  consists  of  rooms  appropriated  to  the 
Supreme  Court  and  Library,  each  containing  an  area  of  693 
square  feet.  Galleries  of  both  houses  have  an  area  of  1,300 
square  feet ;  also  two  apartments  entering  from  Senate  gal- 
lery, each  169  square  feet,  of  four  presses  afid  the  lobbies' 
stairs,  988  square  feet.  These  lobbies,  as  well  as  rotunda, 
are  lit  with  cupolas,  and  it  is  proposed  to  finish  the  Court 
and  Library  in  the  florid  Gothic  style.'' 

BUILDING  OF  THE  CITY. 


I  return  to  the  narrative  of  the  beginnings  of  our  city. 

The  experiment  of  founding  a  city  at  a  point  not  adapted 
by  nature  either  for  commerce  or  manufactures,  far  removed 
from  navigable  streams  and  from  water-power,  met  at  first 
with  very  little  success.  Those  intending  to  become  citizens 
moved  in  slowly.     It  required  the  quickening  power  of  an 


43 

act  of  Assembly  to  secure  the  removal  thereto  of  the  execu- 
tive officers,  the  Governors  having  the  address  to  have 
themselves  at  first  excepted  out  of  the  mandate.  We  can 
well  imagine  how  woeful  it  was  to  the  minds  of  Spaight 
and  Ashe,  and  of  their  "  female  families,"  to  use  an  expres- 
sion of  my  friend,  James  H.  Williams,  of  Warren,  to  leave 
the  refined  society  of  Newbern  and  Wilmington  for  the  oak 
woods  and  briar  patches  of  the  projected  capital.  In  1794, 
however,  the  Assembly  required  Ashe  and  future  Governors 
to  spend  al^  least  six  months  within  its  limits,  exclusive  of 
the  time  occupied  by  the  General  Assembly,  and  ordered 
that  they  should  advertise  the  period  of  their  sojourn  in  all 
the  gazettes  of  the  State.  Four  years  later,  in  1798,  when 
Davie  was  Governor,  doubtless  with  his  approval,  as  he  had 
purchased  eligible  Raleigh  lots,  an  act  was  passed  requiring 
the  Governor  to  make  the  city  of  Raleigh  his  "  place  of  com- 
mon residence."  Whenever  he  should  leave  his  home  for 
over  ten  da^^s  he  must  give  notice  by  advertisement  in  the 
gazettes,  as  newspapers  were  common!}^  then  called,  and  his 
private  secretary  was  rec|uired  to  keep  the  executive  office 
open  during  his  absence.     / 

THE  FIRST  CITY  GOVERNMENT. 

The  first  act  for  the  government  of  the  city  of  Raleigh 
was  passed  February  7,  1795.  This  act  did  not  vest  the 
control  of  the  city  with  its  citizens.  A  counterpart  of  that 
system  is  now  noticed  in  the  government  of  Washington 
City,  Raleigh's  first  government  was,  as  the  legal  phrase 
goes,  used  more  in  England  than  in  this  country,  "  put  into 
commission."  That  is,  seven  appointees  of  the  General 
Assembly,  styled  Commissioners,  the  usual  name  for  public 
agents  appointed  for  special  purposes,  were  vested  with  the 
government  for  three  years.  When  their  term  was  about  to 
expire  in  1797  it  was  renewed.  Again,  in  1801,  there  was  a 
similar  renewal,  and  three  others  were  appointed  "  as  addi- 
tional and  permanent  Commissioners."  Only  in  case  of 
their  death,  refusal  or  resignation  could  the  citizens  have  a 
vote  to  fill  the  vacancy.  These  Commissioners  were  vested 
with  the  right  to  make  laws  for  the  government  of  the  city, 
and  also  to  choose  an  Intendant  of  Police,  charged  with  the 
execution  of  the  laws,  and  also  a  Treasurer,  out  of  their  num- 
ber, to  hold  office  for  one  year,  and  a  Clerk  to  hold  during 
good  behavior.  The  Intendant  held  his  office  indefinitely, 
as   did   the   Commissioners.     None   of  these   officers   were 


44 

required  to  be  citizens,  and  some  of  them  are  known  not  to 
have  been  such.  Raleigh,  therefore,  for  the  first  ten  years 
of  its  life  was  very  far  from  being  free.  Its  legislative  and 
chief  executive  officers  were  creatures  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly, and  as  all  ten  of  the  appointees  accepted  their  offices, 
its  people,  except  in  the  remote  contingencies  of  resignation 
or  death,  had  no  voice  in  the  making  of  their  laws. 

This  un-American  action  of  the  Assembly  was  thought  to 
be  necessary,  because  the  citizens  settled  in  their  homes  very 
slowly,  and  because  the  legislators  desired  to  know  the  char- 
acter of  these  settlers  before  vesting  in  them  the  custody  of 
the  seat  of  government,  in  w^hicli  the  archives  and  the 
treasury  of  the  State  were  to  be  kept,  and  its  legislative 
councils  were  to  be  held. 

No  evil  to  the  people  resulted  from  this  long  withholding 
of  their  freedom,  because  the  Commissioners  were  men  of 
wisdom  and  fairness.  They  were  John  Haywood,  Dugald 
McKeethan,  John  Marshall,  John  Rogers,  John  Pain,  James 
Mares  and  John  Craven,  who  were  properly  the  first  City 
Fathers.  Those  added  in  1797  were  Joshua  Sugg,  William 
Polk  and  Theophilus  Hunter.  John  Rogers  was  a  member 
of  the  Legislature  from  Wake,  and  was  a  non-resident. 
Joshua  Sugof,  William  Polk  and  Theophilus  Hunter,  though 
owners  of  lots  in  the  corporate  limits,  did  not  reside  therein. 

It  is  noticeable  that  this  act  w^as  probably  drawn  by  some 
admirer  of  French  institutions.  The  atrocities  of  the  Reign 
of  Terror  had  not  then  alienated  the  sympathies  of  our  peo- 
ple. "  Commissions"  were  a  striking  feature  of  the  revolu- 
tionary government  of  1794,  and  the  chief  officers  in  charge 
of  departments,  now  called  Prefects,  had  been  for  many  years 
called  Intendants.  In  our  city  the  name  Mayor  was  not 
adopted  until  1856.  The  name  Commissioners  gave  way  to 
the  good  old  Anglo-Saxon  word  Aldermen  in  1875. 

John  Haywood,  who  was  elected  by  them  "Intendant  of 
Police,"  was  the  first  chief  executive  officer.  It  was  not 
until  1803,  eight  years  after  the  sale  of  lots,  that,  in  the 
judgment  of  the  General  Assembly,  the  city  was  sufficiently 
populous  to  supply  officers  whose  homes  must  be  in  the  city 
limits.  A  regular  charter  was  granted.  The  Commission- 
ers, seven  in  number,  as  well  as  the  Intendant  of  Police, 
were  to  be  elected  by  freemen  having  the  qualification  of  resi- 
dence and  of  owning  land  within  the  city.  Free  negroes 
w^ere  included  among  the  freemen. 


45 

CITY  GROWTH. 

It  was  intended  that  the  State-house  should  front  towards 
the  east,  "  Orientalization  "  at  that  time  heing  all  the  fashion. 
It  was  therefore  built  so  as  to  look  down  Newbern  street 
in  one  direction,  and  Hillsboro  street  towards  the  west.  This 
was  continued  when  the  present  stone  structure  replaced  the 
old.  The  same  supposed  necessity  to  front  towards  Jerusalem 
prompted  the  eminent  French  engineer,  with  the  assent  of 
Washington  and  other  great  officers,  to  plan  the  city  of 
Washington  with  the  Capitol  looking  eastward,  and  the  early 
trustees  of  our  State  University  to  design  its  buildings  to 
look  towards  the  rising  sun,  with  a  broad  avenue  to  Piney 
Prospect.  In  all  three  cases,  however,  the  settlers  refused  to 
recognize  this  architectural  propriety,  and  built  their  shops 
and  residences  southward,  westward  or  northward. 

Without  discussing  the  question  why  Washington  and 
Chapel  Hill  refused  obstinately  to  take  the  advice  of  the 
architects,  it  is  easy  to  explain  why  the  bulk  of  the  business 
of  Raleigh  located  itself  on  Fayetteville  street. 

In  the  first  place,  the  bulk  of  the  population  of  the  county 
was  in  its  southern  and  eastern  portions,  because  settlers  had 
worked  their  way  up  the  Neuse  and  the  Cape  Fear  and  their 
tributaries.  The  merchants  and  mechanics,  by  getting  loca- 
tions on  this  street  received  the  advantage  of  the  trade  com- 
ing on  both  the  Smithfield  and  the  Fayetteville  roads  The 
county  authorities,  when  the  old  log  building  on  the  Boylan 
hill  was  to  be  replaced  by  a  structure  more  worthy  of  the 
capital  city,  naturally  located  the  court-house  on  the  same 
street,  so  as  to  accommodate  the  majority  of  their  constituents. 
In  the  second  place,  the  great  mail  route  from  North  to 
South  ran  by  way  of  Petersburg,  Warrenton,  Raleigh  and 
Fayetteville,  then  to  Georgetown  and  Charleston  in  South 
Caroliiia.  Of  course  tavern-keepers  and  others  seeking  pub- 
lic patronage,  selected  their  business  stands  along  this  high- 
way. So  eager  were  they  to  attract  attention  and  subserve 
the  convenience  of  their  patrons,  that  their  buildings  were 
placed  immediately  along  the  edge  of  the  streets.  The  earliest 
charters  showed  the  care  of  the  General  Assembly  to  regulate 
these  encroachments  on  the  sidewalks  by  porches,  stoops,  an^ 
cellar-doors.  The  earliest  taverns  were  Casso's,  next  to  the 
Capitol  Square  on  the  south,  on  the  east  side  of  Fayette- 
ville street ;  the  Indian  Queen,  kept  by  Captain  Scott  on  the 
site  of  the  Federal  court-hou^ie  and  post-office;  the  Eagle 
Hotel, built  in  1812  by  Charles  Parish,  of  three  stories,  the  first 


46 

brick-house,  according  to  Governor  Swain,  in  the  city,  with 
the  exception  of  the  State-house,  located  north  of  Union 
Square,  and  existing  to  this  day,  in^proved  and  remodeled 
into  the  State  Agricultural  Building.  Other  authorities  say 
that  the  old  brick  printing  office  of  Joseph  Gales  was  built 
prior  to  the  Eagle  Hotel. 

Three  years  after  the  granting  of  this  charter,  viz.,  in  1806, 
it  appears  that  a  jealousy  between  the  different  sections  of 
the  city  had  grown  up.  The  central  part,  along  Halifax  and 
Fayetteville  streets,  being  in  a  majority,  was  charged  with 
not  being  fair  in  the  distribution  either  of  offices  or  money. 
The  General  Assembly  was  induced  in  1806  to  divide  the 
city  into  three  wards,  all  east  of  Wilmington  and  Halifax 
streets  to  be  the  eastern,  and  to  elect  three  Commissioners; 
all  w^est  of  Salisbury  and  Halifax  streets  to  be  the  western, 
and  to  elect  one  Commissioner,  while  the  rest  of  the  city  was 
to  be  the  middle  ward,  having  five  commissioners,  the  taxes 
of  each  ward  to  be  spent  therein  by  the  Commissioners 
thereof. 

This  unequal  distribution  was  a  concession  to  property, 
the  legislation  as  well  as  the  constitution  of  that  day  by  no 
means  recognizing  universal  suffrage,  but,  on  the  contrary, 
showing  a  nervous  dread  of  trusting  the  property  of  the 
richer  classes  to  the  merc}^  of  the  poorer.  By  a  census  taken 
the  next  year,  1807,  it  was  found  that  there  were  within  the 
city  limits  726  souls,  of  whom  the  middle  ward  had  only 
250,  the  eastern  336,  and  the  western  140.  Of  whites  the 
middle  ward  had  140,  the  eastern  197,  and  the  western  86, 
total  423.  Of  slaves  the  middle  ward  had  107,  the  eastern 
111,  and  the  western  52.  There  were  33  free  negroes,  of 
whom  28  lived  in  the  eastern  ward.  Counting  one  voter  to 
every  five  free  inhabitants  there  were  in  all  about  95  resident 
voters.  The  number  of  non-residents  entitled  to  vote  because 
of  owning  land  in  the  city  must  have  been  quite  considerable. 

An  amusing  difficulty  occurred  under  the  Act  of  1806. 
The  one  Commissioner  of  the  western  ward,  increased  to 
three  in  1809,  and  the  three  Commissioners  of  the  eastern 
ward  had  the  right  of  spending  for  the  benefit  of  their 
wards  all  the  moneys  collected  therein  after  defraying  general 
expenses.  As  the  western  ward  was  in  part  bounded  on  the 
east  by  Halifax  street  and  the  eastern  was  bounded  on  the 
west  partly  b}^  the  same  street,  thev  stoutly  contended  that 
Halifax  street  was  not  in  their  wards.  The  doctrine  of  usque 
ad  medium  filum  vise,  i.  e.,  that  the  ownership  of  lands  adja- 
cent to  rivers  and  highways  extends  to  the  middle  thread 


47 

thereof,  subject  to  the  right-of-way  of  the  public,  made  no 
impression  on  their  non-legal  minds.  They  eagerly  gathered 
in  the  taxes  on  property  an^  person  adjacent  to  Halifax 
street,  and  stoutly  refused  to  expend  a  dime  on  its  repair. 
They  contended  that  the  letter  of  the  act  put  the  street  into 
the  middle  ward,  and  the  middle-warders  must  dig  up  its 
stumps  and  fill  up  its  gullies.  The  General  Assembly  of 
1811  cured  this  defect  by  an  amendment,  evidently  drawn 
by  a  middle-ward  man  too  angry  to  respect  the  rales  of 
grammar,  and  thereafter  the  centres  of  Wilmington  and  of 
Salisbury  streets  throughout  their  lengths  were  the  bounda- 
ries of  the  eastern  and  western  wards  respectively. 

The  effect  of  the  Acts  of  1806  and  1809  was  to  constitute 
four  Boards  for  the  government  of  our  city,  viz:  One  of 
eleven  Commissioners  for  general  purposes,oneof  five  for  mid- 
dle ward  purposes,  and  two  of  three  each  for  eastern  and 
western  ward  purposes.  In  1813  this  was  remedied  by  an 
amendment  to  the  charter  reducing  the  number  of  Commis- 
sioners to  seven,  viz.,  two  each  from  the  eastern  and  western 
wards  and  three  from  the  middle,  and  these  seven  consti- 
tuted one  Board,  w^ith  the  Intendant  as  presiding  officer. 
The  Board,  how^ever,  was  commanded  to  expend  the  taxes  of 
each  ward  in  its  limits  if  needed.  The  constable  of  the  city 
was  given  the  powers  of  a  constable  of  the  county.  There 
was  no  other  policeman,  either  for  the  day  or  the  night. 
The  Commissioners  claimed  the  right  to  force  the  citizens  to 
patrol  the  city  at  night,  distributing  them  for  the  purpose 
into  tw^enty  classes  of  six  each,  one  of  the  number  being 
captain.  When  the  public  mind  was  disturbed  by  frantic 
terrors  of  insurrections  among  the  slaves,  as  it  was  during 
the  alleged  insurrection  headed  by  Frank -Sumner  in  1802, 
and  the  Xat  Turner  atrocities  of  1831,  there  was  no  difficulty 
in  procuring  efficient  action  by  this  unpaid  police.  Bat  in 
tranquil  times  the  penalty  of  one  dollar  fine  for  non-attend- 
ance, authorized  in  1814,  became  necessary.  It  was  the 
fashion,  however,  to  avoid  the  penalty  by  hiring  substitutes, 
some  men  almost  making  a  living  by  taking  the  places  of 
sleep-loving  principals.  Slaves  not  on  their  owner's  premises 
were  required  to  "have  written  passes,"  as  they  were  called, 
after  a  designated  early  hour  of  the  night,  on  Ihe  penalty  of 
receiving  a  whipping  for  the  lack  thereof,  and  also  of  being 
locked  up  if  their  behavior  led  to  suspicion  of  crime.  The 
adventures  of  the  night-watch  and  their  morning  report 
were  a  notable  part  of  the  gossip  of  the  community. 


48 

In  1831  the  alarm  was  so  great  that  martial  law  virtually 
prevailed  in  the  city,  and  there  wa^,  what  military  men  call,  a 
"  levy  m  masse"  All  the  white  men  were  armed.  The  old 
men  were  organized  into  a  corps  called  Silver  Grays.  The 
able-bodied  were  divided  into  four  classes,  each  patrolling 
every  fourth  night.  The  Presl)3'terian  church  was  to  be  the 
rallying  point  in  case  of  an  alarm  given  by  the  ringing  of 
its  bell.  Videttes  on  horseback  were  sent  out  as  far  as  Xeuse 
river  on  the  roads  leading  east,  in  order  to  report  the  com- 
ing of  the  black  arm}^  of  rebels.  While  nerves  were  in  this 
state  of  tension,  the  bell  sounded  after  one  midnight  because 
of  the  burning  of  a  blacksmith  shop.  Scores  of  modest 
ladies  ran  screaming  to  the  fortress  of  refuge,  with  dishev- 
elled hair  and  white  nightgowns  streaming  as  thev  fled. 
All  this  excitement  and  mental  torture  had  not  the  slightest 
cause  except  in  unreasoning  fancies.  The  Raleigh  negroes 
were  thorouglil}^  loyal. 

FIRES. 

The  first  fire-engine  in  the  city  was  bought  by  voluntary 
contributions  in  1802.  It  employed  sixteen  hands,  throwing 
eighty  gallons  per  minute  one  hundred  and  thirty-two 
feet,  and  cost  $374.*  Eleven  years  later  the  city  bought  a 
new  engine,  and  in  1821  the  first  regular  fire  company  was 
organized.  Six  years  before  this  an  abortive  attempt  to  sup- 
ply the  city  with  water  was  made.  A  water  wheel  worked 
from  a  pond  in  frontof  the  Insane  Asylum  hill,  madeby  dam- 
ming Rocky  branch,  forced  the  w^ater  to  the  top  of  a  water- 
tower  on  a  hill  in  the  southwest  part  of  the  city,  whence  it 
flowed  b}^  gravity  to  Hargett  and  along  Fayetteville  street. 
There  was  no  filtration.  The  water  was  delivered  at  inter- 
vals through  spouts.  The  engineer  was-  Samuel  Lash  of 
Salem,  an  ingenious  mechanic.  T()e  pipes  were  of  wood. 
They  became  frequently  clogged  with  mud.  Often  they 
burst  with  the  pressure.  Lash  died  and  was  succeeded  by 
his  son,  who  was  a  drunkard.  The  citizens  living  on  the 
streets  not  benefited  became  clamorous  against  the  taxation 
levied  for  repairs,  and  the  scheme  was  abandoned. 

With  these  meagre  means  for  extinguishing  fires,  and  the 
buildings  being  mainly  of  wood,  it  is  not  surprising  that 
conflagrations  were  extensive.  That  of  181f)  swept  from 
Martin  to  Hargett  on  the  east  side  of  Fayetteville  street,  and 
thence  almost  to  Wilmington  street.  The  house  at  the  cor- 
ner of  Wilmington  and  Martin  was  saved  by  the  timely  use 

*The  steam  fire-engine  (Rescue)  now  in  use  is  capable  of  throwing  a  vertical 
stream  of  126  feet  600  gallons  per  minute. 


49 

of  ten  barrels  of  vinegar.  The  fire  of  1821  burnt  over  the 
same  district,  beginning  where  the  market-house  stands, 
then  it  crossed  Hargett  and  was  only  stopped  by  the  j)luck 
of  Mrs.  Hannah  Stewart,  which  saved  herdvvelling  standing 
on  the  land  occupied  by  Tucker  hall.  She  saved  it  again 
from  a  tire  which  consumed  all  the  buildings  north  to  Mor- 
gan street,  but  about  twenty  years  afterwards  a  third  fire 
prevailed  even  over  her  heroic  energy. 

At  another  time  all  the  buildings  on  the  west  side  of  Fay- 
etteville  street  from  Morgan  to  Ilargett,  with  the  exception 
of  that  next  to  Morgan,  then  belonging  to  the  Newbern 
bank,  were  swept  away.  This  w^as  kindled  by  an  incen- 
diary, Benjamin  F.  Seaborn,  a  clerk  of  Richard  Smith,  who 
endeavored  by  arson  to  hide  the  crime  of  theft.  Smith  was 
County  Register,  and  twenty  registry  books  were  destroyed 
with  his  store-house,  causing  much  confusion  of  titles  in  our 
county.  It  is  gratifying  to  know  that  Seaborn  was  hung  for 
his  crime. 

THE  FIRST  CITY  FATHERS. 

The  first  Intendant  of  Police  of  the  city,  as  I  have  stated, 
was  John  Haywood,  the  Treasurer  of  the  State  from  ITc^T  to 
his  death  in  1827,  forty  years,  so  popular  that  a  county  and  a 
town  were  named  in  his  honor,  one  of  the  most  conspicuous 
citizens  of  early  Raleigh.  His  kindness  tothe  sick  and  afiiicted 
and  his  hospitality  knew  no  limit.  He  made  it  a  rule  to 
invite  to  a  meal  every  member  and  officer  of  the  General 
Assembly,  which  in  his  time  met  yearly.  Rather  uncult- 
ured guests  he  had  sometimes.  Funny  stories  about  some 
of  them  once  flitted  about  the  social  atmosphere  of  our  town. 
I  recall  one  of  a  backwoods  legislator  who  in  the  dim  light  of 
the  Treasurer's  parlor  gazed  with  enquiring  wonder  at  an 
animal  lying  on  the  rug.  "That,"  said  the  Treasurer,  "is 
my  daughter's  pet."  "  A  pet  is  it?  a  pet  you  say?  I  thought 
it  was  a  cat!"  It  was  at  a  party,  as  receptions  were  then 
called,  given  by  Senator  Badger,  some  years  later,  that  one 
of  the  guests  took  his  seat  on  an  old-fashioned  piano,  remark- 
ing that  "these  Raleigh  big-bugs  have  benches  with  mighty 
long  legs." 

Treasurer  John  Haywood  is  to  be  distinguished  from  Judge 
John  Haywood,  the  eminent  lawyer  who  adorned  the  bench 
of  this  State  and  of  Tennessee.  "^Treasurer  John  was  from 
Edgecombe,  son  of  Col.  William  Haywood,  a  very  prominent 
member  of  our  State  Congresses  and  General  Assemblies  of 
the  Revolution.   Judge  John  was  from  Halifax,  son  of  Egbert, 


50 

brother  of  William  Haywood.  They  were  named  after  their 
grandfather,  John  Haywood,  who  caine  to  Halifax  from 
Barbadoes  about  1730. 

Another  of  the  earliest  "City  Fathers"  was  William  Polk, 
always  called  Colonel  William  Polk,  wdio  built  what  was  a 
grand  residence  in  those  days  just  out  of  the  city  limits 
fronting  Blount  street.  Later,  in  1872,  after  being  owned 
by  Hon.  Kenneth  Rayner  it  was  moved  to  one  side  to  allow 
for  the  extension  of  Blount  street,  and  is  now  called  the 
Park  Place.  Col.  William  Polk  was  a  remarkable  man. 
Born  near  Charlotte,  when  he  had  reached  nineteen  years 
of  age  he  heard  the  Mecklenburg  resolutions  read  from  the 
court-house  ste})s.  His  fiery  spirit  led  him  into  the  Conti- 
nental army.  He  served  with  distinction  at  Brandywine 
and  Germantown,  then  at  Guilford  and  Eutaw  Springs,  being 
wounded  slightly  at  Germantown  and  severely  at  Eutaw. 
When  the  war  ended  he  had  attained  the  rank  of  Colonel. 
He  was  a  man  of  strong  character,  too  ardent  a  Federalist  to 
obtain  public  office  in  Republican  Wake,  though  he  had 
been  a  Commoner  from  Mecklenburg,  yet  in  non-political 
posts,  such  as  the  presidencv  of  the  leading  bank,  the 
presidency  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  young  Uni- 
versity, and  as  guiding  the  society  of  the  new  capital,  he 
was  uncommonly  active  and  useful.  At  one  time,  stirred  up 
by  recent  bad  examples  of  duelling  among  such  great  men 
as  Hamilton  and  Burr,  Stanly  and  Spaight,  Clinton  and 
Swartwout,  Van  Allen  and  Crawford,  the  students  of  the 
University  were  threatening  to  imitate  them.  The  danger 
was  so  imminent  that  President  Caldwell  appealed  to  Colo- 
nel Polk,  knowing  that  the  advice  of  a  Revolutionary  hero 
of  conspicuous  daring  would  have  weight  with  the  fiery 
young  men.  The  Colonel  wrote  a  letter  to  them  denouncing 
the  practice  of  duelling  in  terms  so  strong  and  convincing 
as  to  avert  the  evil.  I  recall  one  instance,  however,  where 
his  resentment  forced  him  to  give  preference  to  the  process 
of  Judge  Lynch.  While  he  was  with  the  American  army 
fighting  for  our  liberties,  a  Tory  with  whom  he  was  person- 
ally acquainted  outrageously  marauded  upon  his  father's 
plantation.  When  peace  was  declared  this  Tory  fled  to  parts 
unknown.  Many  years  afterwards  Colonel  Polk  was  jour- 
neying on  horseback  with  a  friend  to  visit  the  lands  in  Ten- 
nessee given  him  for  his  military  services.  They  halted  at 
a  cabin  to  enquire  about  the  road.  As  the  owner  came  to 
the  door  the  Colonel  recognized  his  Tory  neighbor.  Leaping 
from   his   horse  saying,  "Please  hold  my  bridle  1"  he  pro- 


51 

ceeded  to  pay   him  with  bis  riding-whip  the  principal  with 
compound  interest  of  the  debt  he  had  been  owing  so  long. 

JLj^^* — ^ 

•  Raro  anteceitdefn  scelestum 

Deseruit  pede  Poena  claudo. 

Colonel  Polk  was  exceedingly  patriotic.  He  entered  into  all 
4th  of  July  celebrations  with  boundless  enthusiasm,  always 
acting  by  invitation  as  president  of  the  feasts,  and  giving  out 
the  toasts  and  drinking  to  them  too  with  hearty  good  will. 
The  dinner  was  usually  ended  by  the  company,  at  his  invi- 
tation, marching  to  his  house  and  partaking  of  a  second 
treat,  the  jocund  boisterousness  by  no  means  diminished  by 
the  glimpses  of  the  ladies  of  the  neighborhood  peering  down 
the  staircases  and  through  the  windows  in  order  to  see  the 
fun.  His  son,  Leonidas,  afterward  the  Bishop  and  General, 
in  his  youth  was  a  leader  in  singing  the  patriotic  odes. 

The  other  official  fathers  of  the  city  are  less  conspicuous. 
John  Craven,  of  Halifax,  was  the  first  elected  to  the  office 
of  Comptroller  of  Public  Accounts  in  1783,  and  was  annually 
elected  thereafter  until  his  death  in  1808,  twenty-five  years. 
He  was  an  old  bachelor  of  popular  manners,  and  having  no 
ties  of  kindred  he  left  his  property,  including  his  Raleigh 
lots,  to  our  excellent  citizen,  who  years  ago  was  our  very 
popular  Mayor,  William  Dallas  Haywood. 

John  Marshall  and  James  Mares  were  hotel-keepers  in  the 
city.  Dugald  McKeethan  was  one  of  the  original  purchasers 
of  lots,  a  son-in-law  of  Joel  Lane.  John  Pain  was  also  one 
of  the  original  purchasers.  John  Rogers  was  soon  after  a 
member  of  the  Legislature  from  Wake,  and  had  probably 
become  an  owner  of  city  property.  Joshua  Sugg  was  a  large 
owner  of  land  adjoining  the  State  land  on  the  east  and  south- 
east. 

The  extensive  lands  of  Theophilus  Hunter,  usually  known 
as  Captain  Orphy  Hunter,  adjoined  the  city  on  the  west  and 
southwest,  embracing:  the  site  of  the  Insane  Asylum  and  of 
the  Water-works.  His  residence,  called  Spring  Hill  (now 
owned  by  the  Grimes  family),  was  the  centre  of  more  jovial 
gatherings  for  eating  of  good  dinners  and  drinking  of  good 
rum  and  chasing  of  foxes  than  any  place  in  Wake  county. 
He  had  pretty  and  attractive  daughters,  too,  and  the  merry 
laughter  of  young  men  and  maidens  was  a  frequent  sound 
among  the  trees  of  Spring  Hill. 

A  few  years  afterwards  Theophilus  Hunter  had  a  less 
pleasant  reputation  among  our  people.  Lie  owned  a  mill 
on  Rocky  branch,  and  the  pond  was  accused  of  shaking  the 


52 

bones  of  our  people  with  chills  and  burning  them  with 
fevers,  especially  in  1822,  when  many  lives  were  lost.  After 
much  bad  feeling  and  litigation,  the  matter  was  .settled  by 
the  city's  buying  the  mill  and  levelling  the  dam. 

OTHER  EARLY  CITY  FATHERS. 

The  first  Intendant  of  Police  chosen  by  th^  people  was 
likewise  an  excellent  man,  William  White.  He  had  been 
repeatedlv  Senator  and  a  Commoner  from  Lenoir  county. 
While  Senator  he  was  elected  Secretar}^  of  State  as  successor 
to  Glasgow.  He  became  one  of  Raleigh's  best  citizens.  His 
wife,  the  daughter  of  Governor  Caswell,  survived  him  many 
years.  One  of  his  daughters  married  Governor  David  L. 
Swain,  the  eminent  President  of  the  Universitv. 

In  1806  William  Hill,  who  came  to  Raleigh  from  Surry 
county,  served  as  a  clerk  in  Mr.  White's  otfice,  and  then 
engaged  in  merchandising,  was  chosen  Intendant.  In  1811 
he  was  elected  by  the  General  Assembly  Secretary  of  State, 
and  amid  all  the  mutations  of  parties,  by  annual  until  1835, 
and  then  by  biennial  elections,  he  was  elected  to  the  same 
office  until  his  death  in  1857.  For  years  the  "  Old  Sec,"  as 
he  was  familiarly  known,  was  a  landmark  among  us,  simple, 
unostentatious,  charitable,  of  perfect  integrity,  performing 
every  duty  with  strictest  fidelity.  Such  was  the  public  re- 
gard for  him  that  his  clerk  and  son-in-law,  Rufus  H.  Page, 
of  similar  faithfulness  to  duty,  was  chosen  his  successor  for 
several  terms,  and  then  lost  the  office  onlv  by  reason  of  the 
violent  party  passion  aroused  during  the  Civil  AVar. 

The  next  Intendant,  in  1807,  was  an  active  and  popular 
physician,  Dr.  Calvin  Jones.  He  removed  to  Raleig^h  from 
Troy  in  Xew  York.  He  was  a  Commoner  from  Wake  in 
1807.  The  fact  that  he  was  president  of  the  first  medical 
society  in  the  State  shows  the  estimation  in  which  he  was 
held  by  his  profession.  He  was  chosen  a  General  of  Militia, 
and  leaving  Raleigh,  became  a  planter  on  the  site  of  Wake 
Forest  College,  which  he  sold  to  that  institution. 

The  next  Intendants  were  John  Marshall,  John  S.  Raboteau 
and  Sterling  Yancey.  Then,  in  1813,  began  the  incum- 
bency, which  was  to  continue  many  years,  of  a  very  remark- 
able man,  Joseph  Gales,  who  was  for  forty  years  identified 
with  all  good  movements  in  our  city;  a  man  of  boundless 
charity,  in  its  broadest  sense,  and  of  extraordinary  good 
sense.     His  history  is  most  interesting. 


53 

In  1794  he  was  about  34  years  old,  a  citizen  of  Sheffield, 
in  England,  bookseller,  printer  and  editor  of  a  prosperous 
newspaper  called  the  SJieffield  Register,  which  had  a  large 
circulation  in  Yorkshire,  Derbyshire  and  Nottinghamshire. 
We  have  a  file  of  it  in  the  State  Library. 

In  its  beginning  the  French  Revolution  was  regarded  as 
destined  to  bring  great  political  blessings  to  France,  and 
people  in  all  nations  hoped  that  the  time  had  come  for  the 
lower  classes  to  secure  larger  control  in  their  governments. 
In  England  associations  were  formed,  some,  perhaps,  ready 
to  resort  to  force  to  secure  political  changes,  but  others  seek- 
ing by  educating  the  public  mind  to  procure  reform  by  con- 
stitutional methods. 

One  of  the  most  flourishing  of  these  latter  peaceful  asso- 
ciations was  the  Constitutional  Society  of  Sheffield,  of  which 
Joseph  Gales  was  Secretary.  I  have  examined  the  editorials 
in  the  Sheffield  Register,  and  there  is  certainly  nothing  in 
them  looking  towards  treason  or  insurrection,  only  such 
deprecation  of  the  horrors  of  war,  and  criticism  of  the  policy 
of  the  Ministry  as  would  be  considered  in  our  day  respectful 
and  mild.  But  rash  and  senseless  riots  in  various  parts  of 
England,  and  the  horror  inspired  by  the  atrocious  excesses 
in  France,  induced  Parliament  to  suspend  the  privileges  of 
the  writ  of  habeas  corpus.  Arbitrary  arrests  and  imprison- 
ment of  the  leading  agitators  for  Parliamentary  reform  and 
against  war  with  France  were  frequent. 

Mr.  Gales  received  notice  that  orders  for  his  arrest  had 
been  or  would  be  issued,  and  knowing  that,  as  he  was  the 
only  support  of  his  family,  his  imprisonment  meant  abso- 
lute ruin,  he  concluded  to  leave  the  country,  giving  his 
reason  in  pathetic  language  in  the  issue  of  May  1, 1794.  He 
took  ship  at  Altona,  in  Denmark,  selling  his  newspaper  to 
the  poet  Montgomery.  He  was  treated  so  kindly  by  those 
in  Altona  who  sympathized  with  him  in  his  political  action, 
that  he  named  a  daughter  after  the  city,  a  name  which, 
abbreviated  into  ''Alty,''  pronounced  Aulty,  is  still  a  favorite 
with  the  family. 

The  members  of  the  Constitutional  Society  of  Sheffield, 
conscious  of  the  rectitude  of  his  purposes,  adopted  a  series  of 
resolutions  laudatory  of  their  emigrant  Secretary,  showing 
so  much  genuine  feeling  and  beauty  that  I  venture  to  quote 
them : 


54 

At  a  general  meeting  of  the  Society  for  Constitutional  Information, 
held  on  July  3, 1794,  at  the  house  of  the  late  Secretary  in  Watson's  Walk, 
Sheffield. 

The  Constitutional  Society  of  Sheffield  to  Joseph  Gales  : 

Health!  Peace!  and  Happiness  !  On  this  occasion  of  addressing  you, 
our  very  dear  and  inestimable  fellow-citizen,  we  feel  a  variety  of  pas- 
sions agitating  our  minds  and  forcibly  impelling  us  to  some  expression 
of  our  well-founded  affection  and  our  ardent  gratitude,  our  sincere 
regret  and  our  just  indignation. 

The  eminent  worth  of  your  character,  your  important  services  to  the 
great  cause  of  human  happiness,  our  irreparable  injury  in  the  loss  of  so 
valuable  a  member,  and  the  persecution  of  which  you  are  the  distin-. 
guished  object,  are  so  many  loud  calls  for  some  testimonial  of  our  deep- 
est sense  of  your  merit,  and  our  pungent  grief  at  your  sufferings.  Yet 
we  are  happy  that  we  have  not  merely  to  speak  the  language  of  sympa- 
thetic condolence,  but  that  of  joy,  of  congratulation,  of  laudable  envy. 

We  rejoice  to  reflect  that  the  Divine  Cause  of  Truth  and  Liberty  has 
been  supported  by  so  unexceptionable,  so  able  and  so  successful  an 
advocate. 

W^e  cordially  felicitate  you  on  your  escape  from  the  insidious  schemes 
and  the  enraged  ferocity  of  cruel  and  inexorable  man. 

Though  we  regret  your  sufferings,  considered  abstractly  as  such, 
yet,  viewing  them  in  connection  with  their  cause,  we  behold  you 
adorned  with  incomparably  greater  and  more  enviable  honor  than  the 
most  brilliant  diadem  can  confer  upon  its  wearer.  You  are  dignified 
with  the  unfadmg  crown  of  a  martyr  in  the  illustrious  cause  of  God  and 
man. 

AVe  find  consolatory  pleasure  in  entertaining  the  idea  that  you  will 
read  these  warm  effusions  of  our  soul,  secure  from  oppression  and 
breathing  the  pure  air  of  a  free  country,  where  the  native  and  inaliena- 
ble rights  of  man  are  known,  respected  and  enjoyed. 

Never,  we  trust,  shall  we  lose  the  fervent  and  grateful  recollection  of 
you,  our  ever  dear  friend  and  brother.  We  confidently  commit  you 
to  the  guardian  care  of  the  Supreme  Being,  who  is  the  immutable 
Friend  of  Truth  and  the  munificent  benefactor  of  mankind.  Under 
His  smiles,  exile,  proscription,  or  even  death,  must  be  sweet. 

Signed  by  the  command  and  in  the  name  of  the  Constitutional  Society. 

James  Watson, 
William  Malkin, 
Henry  Rock, 
John  Grainger, 
William  Chow, 

August  1,  1T94.  Simon  Runk. 

We  next  find  Joseph  Gales  in  Philadelphia,  beginning,  in 
1796,  a  paper  called  Gales'  Independent  Gazetteer.  Congress 
then  held  its  sessions  in  that  city,  and  he  has  the  honor  of 
being  the  first  shorthand  reporter  of  the  debates  of  that 
body.  Learning  from  one  of  our  members  of  Congress  that 
the  seat  of  government  of  North  Carolina  had  no  newspapers, 
he  sold  his  Gazetteer  and  established  in  the  Fall  of  1799  the 
Raleigh  Register,  a  name  given  in  loying  remembrance  of 
his  SheflBeld  paper,  and  with  the  same  motto, 

"  Ours  are  the  plans  of  fair,  delightful  Peace, 
Un warped  by  party  rage  to  live  like  brothers." 


oo 


His  was  the  first  newspaper  of  our  city,  edited  at  first  b}^ 
himself,  then  by  himseUin  conjunction  with  his  son-in-law, 
William  W.  Seaton,  afterwards  the  distinguished  co-editor  of 
the  Xatioual  Intelligencer  and  Mayor  of  Washington  City; 
then  by  himself  alone,  then  by  his  son,  Weston  Raleigh 
Gales,  then  by  his  grandson,  Seaton  Gales,  a  total  of  nearly 
sixty  years.  He  was  for  many  years  State  printer.  He 
established  the  first  paper-mill  in  this  section,  on  Rocky 
branch,  thence  removed  to  Crabtree  creek.  In  politics  he 
belonged  to  the  dominant  party,  the  Republican,  and  when 
that  was  disrupted  in  Jackson's  time  he  became  a  Whig. 

Mr.  Gales  was  ably  seconded  by  his  wife,  whose  maiden 
name  was  Winifred  Marshall,  a  remote  connection  of  Lord 
Melbourne.  She  was  a  woman  of  fine  talents  and  accom- 
plishments, the  authoress  of  a  novel  published  in  1804 
by  her  husband  entitled  "Matilda  Berkeley."  My  mother, 
before  her  marriage,  was  the  guest  of  Mrs.  Gales,  and  years 
afterwards  loved  to  tell  of  her  kindness  of  heart,  her  tact,  her 
power  of  making  those  around  her  bright  and  happy,  her 
fine  conversational  power-.  It  was  from  her  that  her  chil- 
dren inherited  their  rare  sprightliness,  their  father  being  of 
a  mure  quiet  manner  and  staid  temperament.  The  poetical 
address  of  her  daughter,  Ann  Eliza  Gales,  at  her  gradu- 
ating exercises,  and  her  uncommonly  agreeable  manners  and 
witty  speech,  were  never  forgotten  by  those  who  knew  her. 
She  died  in  the  great  sickness,  almost  the  pestilence,  of  1822, 
attributed,  as  I  have  mentioned,  to  Hunter's  mill-pond. 

The  rival  newspaper  to  the  Raleigh  Register,  the  Minerva, 
was  edited  by  William  Boylan.  It  was  transferred  from  Fay- 
etteville,  where  it  was  called  '^The  Fayetteville  Minerva,''  in  the 
fall  of  1799,  a  few  months  after  the  Register  was  started.  The 
firm  of  Plod ge  &  Boylan  published  in  1800  one  of  the  best 
books  ever  printed  in  the  State,  "Haywood's  Reports,"  and  ^ 
in  1804  "Burkitt  and  Read's  History  of  the  Kehukee  Bap- 
tist Association."  The  Minerva  advocated  Federalist  princi- 
ples, and,  as  might  be  expected,  both  papers  occasionally 
showed  the*  heated  temper  which  separated  the  parties 
throughout  the  Union. 

William  Boylan  came  to  North  Carolina  from  New  Jersey 
one  hundred  and  one  years  ago,  joining  his  uncle,  Abraham 
Hodge,  first  at  Halifax  and  then  at  Fayetteville.  Until  his 
purchase  from  Peter  Bruwne,  the  eminent  lawyer,  of  the  Joel 
Lane  homestead,  just  outside  the  city  limits,  he  was  often  a 
Commissioner  of  the  city.  He  served  for  three  years  during 
the  war  of  1812  and  for  one  vear  thereafter,  as  a  member  of 


56 

the  Legislature  in  the  lower  house.  He  had  a  strong,  well 
balanced  mind,  the  highest  integrity,  and  large  public  spirit. 
He  was  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Commissioners  for  rebuild- 
ing the  Capitol,  and  shared  in  the  responsibility  of  adopt- 
ing the  plan  of  the  architect.  He  was  President  of  the  State 
Bank,  and  a  director  of  that  institution  and  of  its  successors 
for  many  years.  He  was  an  active  promoter  and  at  one 
time  President  of  the  Raleigh  and  Gaston  Railroad.  He 
was  a  large  subscriber  to  the  stock  of  the  North  Carolina 
Railroad.  He  was  for  many  j^ears  Chairman  of  the  Justices 
of  the  Peace  of  the  county  of  Wake.  It  w^as  by  his  urgency 
that  the  practice  of  hiring  out  the  keeping  of  the  county  pau- 
pers to  the  lowest  bidder  was  discontinued,  and  a  house  and 
farm,  together  with  a  comfortable  support,  provided  for  them 
at  the  public  expense.  He  introduced  the  cultivation  of  cot- 
ton into  our  county.  His  hand  was  always  open  to  a  deserv- 
ing charity.  I  remember  that  when,  in  the  great  snow-storm 
of  January,  1857,  what  we  rarely  see  in  our  fortunate  climate, 
a  veritable  blizzard,  Raleigh  awoke  one  Sunday  morning  to 
find  two-thirds  of  its  people  suffering  for  want  of  fuel  because 
the  wood  wagons  w^ere  unable  to  run,  Mr.  Boy  Ian 's  wagon  was 
one  of  the  first  to  brave  the  elements  in  order  to  relieve  the 
shivering  poor  by  gifts  from  the  ample  supply  laid  up  for 
his  winter's  use.  I  remember,  too,  the  storm  of  indignation 
w^hen  it  w^as  reported  that  a  healthy  man,  covered  up  in 
his  bed-clothes,  sang  out,  ''Ask  Mr.  Boylan  why  he  didn't 
have  it  cut  up  so  as  to  fit  my  fireplace!"  I  remenjber,  too, 
how  he  allowed  a  poor  but  enthusiastic  collector  of  bugs  and 
butterflies,  snakes  and  lizards  to  make  his  house  headquar- 
ters for  many  days.  During  the  evenings  the  peripatetic 
scientist  would  entertain  the  family  with  discourses  about 
his  favorite  pursuits.  "  Ladies  I  some  people  say  crow  is  not 
good  for  food;  jay  bird  is  not  good;  hawk  is  not  good.  It 
is  a  great  mistake.  I  have  eaten  all  kinds  of  birds.  They 
are  all  good  but  the  turkey  buz-zard.  The  turkey  buz-zard 
has  a  flavor  which  I  do  not  like." 

Henry  Seawell  (pronounced  in  old  times  Sow-*ell),  born  in 
Franklin,  w^as  probably  the  first  lawyer  who  settled  in  Raleigh, 
as  I  find  him  a  member  of  the  House  of  Commons  as  early  as 
1799.  He  was  afterwards  often  a  member,  sometimes  of  one 
branch,  sometimes  of  the  other.  He  was  a  Judge  of  the 
Superior  Court  for  six  years  before  the  establishment  of  our 
present  Supreme  Court  system  in  1818,  and  therefore  during 
that  time  was  a  member  of  the  Supreme  Court  under  the 
old  system,  when  all  the  Circuit  Judges  belonged  to  it.     He 


57 

was  also  a  Judge  of  the  Superior  Court  from  1S32  to  1835. 
He  was  a  lawyer  of  great  ability.  In  criminal  matters  he 
was  especially  distinguished.  As  a  manager  of  men  in  leg- 
islative bodies  he  was  exceedingly  adroit. 

William  Peace  is  anotlier  of  the  earliest  citizens  who  must 
be  mentioned  in  this  sketch.  He  and  his  brotlier  Joseph, 
under  the  firm  name  of  W.  dk.  J.  Peace,  began  merchan- 
dising on  Fayetteville  street  almost  as  soon  as  the  city  was 
founded,  and  so  continued  for  very  many  years,  dealing 
fairly  with  all,  and  accumulating  a  handsome  property. 
William  Peace  was  more  of  a  public  man  than  Joseph,  and 
became  identified  with  all  of  Raleigh's  legitimate  enterprises. 
He  was  often  a  Commissioner  of  the  city,  and  many  years 
director  of  its  leading  bank.  He  was  remarkable  for  quiet 
dignity,  unfailing  courtesy  and  perfect  integrity.  I  doubt 
if  he  ever  had  an  enemy  in  the  world,  though  he  was  as 
firm  as  a  rock  on  all  questions  of  principle.  He  crowned  a 
well-spent  life  by*  contributing  to  place  on  a  sound  founda- 
tion the  excellent  female  school  which  Capt.  John  B.  Burwell 
and  Mr.  James  Dinwiddle  have  made  so  full  of  blessings  to 
our  community. 

Early  in  the  century  there  settled  in  Raleigh  the  last  of 
the  "  five  Williams,''  as  they  were  called,  William  Peck,  the 
others  being  William  Polk,  William  Boylan,  William  Hill 
and  William  Peace.  AV^illiam  Peck's  store  was  opposite  the 
southeast  corner  of  Union  Square,  which  then  sloped  down 
to  the  street.  In  his  old  age  the  square  was  filled  in  and 
levelled  up  as  at  present,  greatly  to  his  discontent,  as,  he 
said,  he  was  shut  otf  from  his  accustomed  view  of  the  Capi- 
tol. He  was  highly  esteemed  by  all,  a  plain,  quiet,  straight- 
forward man  of  sterling  virtues.  He  had  the  same  nervous 
aversion  to  whistling  characteristic  of  the  late  Judge  Cloud. 
Some  of  the  wilder  boys  delighted,  when  passing  his  place 
of  business,  to  emit  from  their  lips  the  shrillest  sound  possi- 
ble and  then  run  to  escape  the  threatened  punishment.  His 
sign,  besides  the  simple  "  W.  Peck,"  was  a  hat  of  mountain- 
ous dimensions,  hanging  over  the  sidewalk.  One  of  our 
Raleigh  boys,  when  a  sophomore  at  the  University,  pur- 
chased or  borrowed  this  stupendous  and  venerable  tile,  and 
by  tying  tape  across  the  bottom  managed  to  make  it  balance- 
on  his  head.  He  then  put  over  his  eyes  a  large  pair  of  green 
goggles,  and  in  the  centre  of  each  glass  stuck  a  red  wafer. 
Thus  accoutred  he  marched  into  the  chapel  in  presence  of 
the  assembled  professors  and  students,  while  the  roll  was 
being  called.  I  witnessed  the  scene.  The  echo  of  the  ap- 
4 


58 

plause  sounds  in  my  ears  plainly  after  the  lapse  of  forty-seven 
years.  I  tell  you,  in  confidence,  that  this  fun-loving  boy  of 
forty-seven  ypars  ago  is  now  on  this  stage,  known  and  honored 
among  you  as  Major  Rufus  S.  Tucker.  As  he  has  been  a 
successful  Raleigh  merchant,  I  must  give  you  my  first  ob- 
servation of  him  as  a  salesman.  When  at  the  University 
he  was  a  youth  of  inimitable  humor,  very  much  liked  by 
the  President  and  professors,  possibly  because  of  his  pro- 
pensity for  fun,  though  the  Faculty  censured  him  for  the 
big  hat  and  red  wafer  joke.  He  was  once  acting  as  auctioneer 
at  the  sale  of  some  discarded  furniture  belonging  to  the 
Dialectic  Society.  He  took  up  an  old  silver-plated  candle- 
stick. "  Gentlemen,  I  now  offer  you  afinepair  of  candlesticks. 
They  can  also  be  used  for  mirrors.  They  have  the  wonderful 
property  of  making  ugly  faces  pretty.  Governor  Swain,  bid 
on  them.  They  are  the  very  things  for  you."  As  the  Gov- 
ernor was  of  ungainly  face  and  figure,  the  hit  was  greatly 
enjoyed  by  the  crowd,  and  was  not  displeasing  to  him. 

The  father  of  this  humorous  friend  of  ours,  Ruffin  Tucker, 
deserves  mention  among  the  early  City  Fathers,  not  only 
for  his  faithfulness  as  a  Commissioner  and  his  sterling  quah- 
ties  as  a  man,  but  because  he  is  the  only  merchant  of  the 
old  time  who  founded  a  mercantile  name  which  has  lived 
to  this  day.  In  1818,  after  short  service  as  clerk  in  order  to 
learn  the  business  and  get  a  start,  he  opened  a  store  on  the 
identical  spot  where  is  now  the  grand  establishment  of  W. 
H.  &  R.  S.  Tucker  &  Co.,  though  he  afterwards  moved  to  the 
west  side  of  the  street.  For  ten  years  he  was  a  partner  with 
his  brother,  William  C.  Tucker.  Then  he  was  alone  until 
1846,  when  he  took  as  his  partner  his  son,  William  H.  H. 
Tucker,  generally  known  as  Col.  Buck  Tucker.  RuflSn 
Tucker  died  in  1851,  and  then  Major  Rufus  S.  Tucker,  who 
had  three  years  before  graduated  at  the  Univer.-ity,  joined 
his  brother.  The  histor}^  of  the  firm  since  is  familiar  to  you. 
The  uninterrupted  success  of  this  establishment  for  seventy- 
four  years,  three-fourths  of  a  century,  shows  very  strong 
qualities  in  its  founder,  and  places  him  high  among  the  pro- 
moters of  our  city's  prosperity. 

I  have  not  time  to  go  into  any  details  in  regard  to  other 
worthy  city  officials,  but  I  will  give  a  short  mention  of  some 
w^hose  names  occur  to  me. 

There  was  John  S.  Raboteau,  chairman  of  the  committee  to 
divide  the  men  of  the  city  into  twenty  classes,  whose  lineal 
descendant  married  our  friend,   Mr.   A.   F.   Pnge,  who  has 


59 

come  recently  to  adorn  and  improve  our  city  with  a  grand 
hotel  and  opera-house. 

And  then  Richard  Smith,  long  a  prosperous  merchant 
among  us,  the  County  Kegister  for  years.  He  was  clerk  in 
the  store  of  William  Hill,  and,  when  Mr.  Hill  was  elected 
Secretary  of  State,  bought  his  stock.  He  did  business  on  the 
plan  of  having  everything  that  the  people  would  be  likely 
to  call  for,  and  being  a  man  of  good  sense  he  succeeded. 
The  same  story  is  told  of  him  that  was  told  of  old  Mr. 
Kyle  in  Fayetteville.  One  man  bet  another  $5  that  he  could 
not  name  an  article  which  Mr.  Smith  did  not  have  for  sale. 
"  Good  !  I  take  the  bet.  I  bet  he  has  not  a  pulpit  I"  Away 
they  went  to  "Smith's  corner."  "Mr.  Smith,  we  are  in 
search  of  a  second-hand  pulpit.  Can  you  supply  us  ?"  "  Yes, 
come  into  the  back  room.  I  have  exactly  what  you  want. 
The  Presbyterians  concluded  to  get  a  new  one  and  sold  me 
this!"  Whether  the  story  belongs  to  him  or  Mr.  Kyle,  it 
illustrates  his  style  of  business.  He  had  faith  in  Raleigh, 
and  invested  in  its  lots.  He  divided  his  property  between 
his  wife  and  his  daughter.  His  wife  left  most  of  her  share 
to  her  nephew,  Richard  Stanhope  PuUen,  whose  open- 
hearte.l  generosity  has  enriched  our  city  with  a  beautiful 
park  and  a  site  for  the  State  Agricultural  and  Mechanical 
Coll-  g.%  and  his  church  with  many  a  handsome  donation. 
Part  i  h's  daughter's  share  was  bequeathed  by  her  as  a  per- 
petual h(  neficence  to  the  young  men  of  the  State  at  our 
Uni\»rity.  The  old  man's  labors  will  be  a  perennial 
blessing. 

I  uauie,  too,  David  Royster,  who  came  to  Raleigh  in  1802, 
a  cabinet-maker — long  an  honored  and  trusted  citizen.  He 
left  several  sons,  noted  for  their  integrity  and  uprightness. 
One  of  them  is  still  surviving,  David  L.  Ro^^ster,  born  the 
night  Canova's  statue  came  into  Raleigh,  Christmas,  1821. 
I  must  tell  a  story  on  myself  to  illustrate  the  independence 
of  judgment  and  kindness  of  heart  for  which  the  old  man 
David  Royster  and  his  sons  were  conspicuous.  I  was  em- 
ployed to  bring  a  suit  against  a  woman  to  obtain  summary 
possession  of  a  lot  in  Raleigh.  The  lawyer  on  the  other  side 
was  not  himself — another  lawyer  with  Bourbon  whiskej^  in 
his  head.  He  soon  gave  up  the  case,  and  I  asked  the  jury 
to  sign  the  judgment.  After  I  got  eleven  names  I  looked 
about  for  the  twelfth — "  Dave"  Royster.  He  was  a  hundred 
yards  from  the  court-house  going  home.  He  declared  he 
would  not  turn  a  woman  out  of  a  house  in  the  middle  of 
winter  unless  she  had  a  sober  lawyer.     So  there  was  a  mis- 


W^7 


60 

trial  and  my  client  consented  to  a  compromise.  His  brother, 
James  D.  Royster,  was  a  man  of  remarkable  ability.  I  have 
never  known  a  more  retentive  memory.  I  acknowledge  my 
indebtedness  to  him  for  very  much  ot  the  knowledge  I  pos- 
sess of  the  early  history  of  Raleigh. 

AV^esley  Whitaker  was  another  of  the  good  men  of  early 
Raleigh,  a  valued  officer  of  the  Methodist  church  as  well  as 
Commissioner  of  the  city.  He  was  converted  in  the  great 
revival  in  1811,  and  was  the  last  survivor  of  those  who  joined 
the  church  at  that  day. 

John  J.  Briggs  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Baptist 
church  in  Raleigh,  father  of  one  of  the  best  men  I  ever  knew% 
whose  friendship  I  highly  prized,  Thomas  H.  Briggs. 

David  L.  Barringer,  w^ho  married  a  daughter  of  William 
White,  was  a  very  prominent  citizen.  He  repeatedly  repre- 
sented Wake  county  in  the  General  Assembly,  the  first  time 
in  1813,  and  was  afterwards  a  member  of  Congress.  He  was 
uncle  of  the  distinguished  D.  M.  Barringer,  a  citizen  of  Ral- 
eigh long  afterwards. 

I  must  mention,  too,  the  very  intelligent  editors  of  the 
)tar  newspaper,  established  in  1809,  Thomas  Henderson  and 
Alexander  Lucas.  Nor  must  be  omitted  Sherwood,  Stephen 
and  William  Henry  Haywood,  who  followed  their  brother, 
^^_^he  Treasurer,  to  Raleigh,  and  became  very  prominent  mem- 
bers of  its  society.  There  was,  too,  Jacob  Johnson,  the  trusted 
janitor  of  the  Bank  of  the  State,  of  humble  social  position 
'^^ — ^ut  conspicuous  because  one  of  his  sons  by  indomitable  pluck 
and  strong  mind  from  an  apprenticed  tailor  rose  to  be  Presi- 
dent of  this  greatest  republic  of  the  world.  And  there  was 
Captain  Alfred  Jones,  who  in  early  lite  fought  a  duel  near 
Hillsboro  and  was  badly  w^ounded.  His  adversary,  a  man 
named  Faucette,  ran  ofiF  in  fright  and  was  never  heard  of 
afterwards.  Gen.  Robert  Haywood  asked  him  once  how  a 
man  felt  with  an  adversary  ten  steps  off  pointing  a  pistol 
dead  at  him.  "  It  looks  as  big  as  a  cart-wheel,"  said  the  Cap- 
tain, and  that  was  all  he  would  say  about  the  fight.  He  was 
for  a  long  time  a  bank  and  railroad  director. 

I  must  name,  too,  General  Robert  Williams,  a  Trustee  of 
the  University  as  early  as  1803,  and  its  Secretary  and  Treas- 
urer, also  Adjutant  General  of  the  State. 

John  Stewart,  the  merchant,  so  called  to  distinguish  him 

from  John  Stewart,  the  blacksmith,  is  said  to  have  been  the 

first  to  open  a  store  for  business.     He  married  Hannah,  the 

daughter  of  Peter  Casso,  the  hotel-keeper.     When  President 

^   Johnson  was  born  his  father  was  an  hostler  at  the  hotel,  and 


61 

Mrs.  Casso  gave  the  name  to  the  new-born  child.  It  was^' 
intended  to  call  him  Andrew  Jackson  Johnson,  but  his 
father  objected  to  having  so  long  a  name,  and  the  Jackson 
was  omitted.  Mrs.  Stewart  was  long  a  widow,  distinguished^ 
for  her  strength  of  character.  I  can  only  call  over  the 
names  of  other  worthy  citizens  of  the  oldest  days;  James 
McKee,  Southey  Bond,  Benjamin  S.  King,  Robert  Cannon, 
James  Coman,  Robert  Cullum,  Henry  Gorman,  Matthew 
Shaw,  Sterling  Wheaton  and  Mark  Cooke. 

The  last  I  shall  mention  was  the  exceedingly  popular 
United  States  Marshal,  General  Beverly  Daniel,  who  mig^rated 
to  Raleigh  from  Mrginia  in  1810.  He  kept  his  office  for 
thirty-two  years.  In  his  old  age  he  was  removed  by  Van 
Bureii  because  of  his  too  ardent  advocacy  of  Harrison's 
election.  He  was  a  popular  favorite,  gifted  as  an  organizer 
of  processions  and  pageants,  an  expert  rider,  a  noted  hunter 
of  fox  and  deer,  and  an  accomplished  marksman. 

After  his  removal  a  banquet  was  given  to  him  by  the  citi- 
zens of  Raleigh,  his  old  friends,  Joseph  Gales  and  John 
Devereux,  senior,  presiding.  George  E.  Badger  proposed  the 
follow^ing  characteristic  toast: 

"  Oar  guest,  General  Daniel,  as  an  officer,  good  enough  for 
Jefferson,  good  enough  for  Madison,  good  enough  for  Mon- 
roe, good  enough  for  Adams,  good  enough  for  Jackson  ;  it 
is  no  wonder  A^an  Buren  thinks  he  is  too  good  for  him." 

THE  MASONIC  FRATERNITY. 

The  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity  met  in  Ral- 
eigh December  3,  1794.  Probably  the  first  public  institu- 
tion among  us  was  Democratic  Lodge,  No.  21,  organized 
February  11,  1793,  with  John  Macon  as  Master,  but  it  had 
only  a  life  of  two  or  three  years.  It  is  easy  to  conjecture  the 
cause  of  the  failure.  The  French  Revolution  was  hailed  in 
America  by  many  as  the  dawn  of  a  new  era  of  liberty  and 
equality  throughout  the  world.  It  was  the  fashion  to  copy 
Gallican  manners  and  their  favorite  terms.  The  anti-Fed- 
eralists, after  the  adoption  of  the  Constitution,  found  their 
name  insufficient,  and  adopted  that  of  Democratic-Repub- 
lican. "  Democratic  Clubs,"  in  imitation  of  those  in  Paris 
and  elsewhere,  were  formed  in  our  cities.  Men  threw  aside 
Anglo-Saxon  salutation,  and  hugged  and  called  one  another 
"  citoyens."  Ladies  escaped,  I  hope,  the  embracing  part  of 
the  salutation,  but  were  hailed  as  "  citoyesses,"  instead  of 
mistresses  and  misses.     In  the  midst  of  this  political  delirium 


62 

came  across* the  ocean  the  news  of  the  horrors  of  the  rule  of 
Robespierre,  Danton  and  Murat.  Worse  still,  demands  came 
that  our  government  should  follow  the  French  into  a  mad 
crusade  for  the  dethronement  of  kings.  When,  by  the  wis- 
dom of  Washington  and  his  constitutional  advisers,  the 
United  States  determined  to  be  neutral,  and  there  ensued 
contemptuous  and  insolent  treatment  of  Washington  and  his 
Cabinet,  and  depredations  on  our  commerce,  the  pro-French 
ardor  cooled.  The  Democratic  clubswere  disbanded.  The 
party  of  Jefferson  the  party  of  John  Macon,  and  of  his  brother 
Nathaniel,  got  ashamed  of  the  first  half  its  name,  which  was 
peculiarly  a  favorite  among  the  Revolutionists,  and  became 
plain  "  Republican."  In  like  manner  this  Democratic  Lodge 
quietly  melted  away.  It  is  noticeable  that  the  Senior  War- 
den was  Rodman  Atkins,  the  same,  probably,  as  Rhody,  or 
Rody  Atkins,  the  architect  of  the  State-house.  It  was  doubt- 
less he  and  the  workmen  he  brought  with  him,  wild  with 
revolutionary  fury,  who  introduced  this  partisan  Lodge 
among  our  staid  people,  and  their  departure  probably  car- 
ried off  the  larger  part  of  the  membership. 

The  next  Lodge  formed  had  as  its  leaders  strong  Federal- 
ists. William  Richardson  Davie  granted  the  dispensation 
to  Hiram  Lodge,  Xo.  40,  in  1799.  The  charter  is  signed 
December  15,  1800,  by  William  Polk.  Its  first  Master  was 
Henry  Potter,  appointed  District  Judge  by  Federalist  John 
Adams. 

This  Lodge  was  eminently  successful.  Among  its  early 
members  we  see,  besides  Polk  and  Potj:er,  Theophilus  Hun- 
ter, John  Marshall,  William  Boylan,  William  Hill,  Calvin 
Jones,  William  W.  Seaton,  and  many  others  remembered  by 
the  Masonic  fraternity  with  fraternal  reverence,  and  known 
by  all  our  people  to  have  been  among  our  best  citizens.  In 
1899  Hiram  Lodge  can  celebrate  its  centennial  by  pointing 
to  a  long  line  of  illustrious  and  useful  members. 

The  Odd  Fellows  and  other  benevolent  societies  came  into 
Raleigh  within  the  last  half  century,  and  it  is  not  within 
the  scope  of  this  address  to  describe  them. 

THE  STATE  BANK. 

The  Stale  Bank  of  North  Carolina  occupied  a  large  part 
of  the  public  mind  in  the  early  days.  It  was  incorporated 
in  1810,  to  be  located  at  Raleigh,  with  branches  at  Newbern, 
Edenton  and  Wilmington,  which  branches  were  rated  as 
first  class,  and  at  Tarboro,  Favetteville  and  Salisburv  rated 


63 

as  second-clas?.  The  first  directors  were  John  Haywood, 
William  Polk,  Plenry  Potter,  Duncan  Cameron,  William 
Boylan,  William  Peace,  Henry  Seawell,  William  Henry 
Havwo'od,  Theophilus  Hunter,  Samuel  Goodwin,  Benjamin 
Brickell,  James  Mebane,  Josepli  Gales.  Of  these  Cameron 
and  Mebane  w^ere  non-residents. 

The  first  President  was  William  Polk,  who  served  without 
salary.     Wm.  Henry  Havwood,  afterwards  Clerk  of  the  Dis- 
trict Court,  was  the  first  Cashier,  at  a  salary  of  §1,200  per 
annum.     The  business  was  at  first  conducted  in  a  house 
where  the  residence  of  the  late  W.  H.  Crow  stands.     Colonel 
Polk,  General  Beverly  Daniel  and  Joseph   Gales  were  the 
committee  who  caused  to  be  erected  for  the  permanent  bank- 
ing house  the  brick  building,  destined  to  be  handed  over  to 
the  Bank  of  the  State  of  North  Carolina,  then  to  the  Bank  of 
North  Carolina,  and  then  to  become  the  Rectory  of  Christ 
church.     lis  architectural  style   was  novel   and   met  with 
humorous  sarcasm.     It  was  called  "  Two  porches  with  a  house 
between  "     John  Stanly  of  Newbern  dubbed  the  committee 
the  "  Three  wise  men  of  Gotham."    After  Polk  the  Presidents 
were  William  Boylan  and  Peter  Brown,  the  eminent  lawyer, 
who  amassed  a  fortune  practicing  law  first  in  Windsor,  then 
at  Halifax,  then  at  Raleigh,  purchasing  the  old  Joel  Lane 
place,  which  he  sold  to  WiUiam  Boylan.    The  bank  got  into 
trouble.     Most  of  its  profits  came  from   circulating  notes, 
payable  on  demand  in  coin.     Times  of  financial  pressure 
came.     The  brokers  gathered  up  the  notes  and  presented 
them  for  redemption.     As  the  expression  went,  they  "  wanted 
the  tangible."     In  1828  the  stockholders  became  so  uneasy 
that  they  induced  Judge  Thomas  Ruffin,  by  an  offer  of  an 
increased  salary,  with  liberty  to  practice  his  profession  in 
Raleigh,  to  resign  from   the  bench  and  become  President. 
In  the  same  vear  Charles  Dewey,  a  native  of  Oxford,  for  the 
rest  of  his  long  life  so  much  loved  and  respected  among  us, 
who  had  even  then   won  distinction  as  a  bank  officer,  was 
brought  from  Fayetteville  to  act  as  Cashier.     Before   the 
advent  of  these  two  able  men  the  officers  had  been  irritating 
the  brokers  by  throwing  difficulties  in  the  w^ay  of  acceding 
to  their  demands  for  specie  in    exchange  for  bank  bills. 
Ruffin   ordered   prompt  payments  "as  long  as  there  was  a 
shot  in  the  locker."     This  resolute  course,  together  with  the 
high  reputations  of  the  President  and  Cashier,  restored  con- 
fidence in  the  solvency  of  the  bank  and   enabled   Duncan 
Cameron,  who  succeeded  Ruffin  after  one  year  to  wind  up 
its  affairs  after  expiration  of  its  charter  in  1834,  paying  its 


04 

creditors  and  stockholders  in  full,  together  with  a  small  sur- 
plus to  the  latter.  To  show  the  difference  between  the  old 
S3^stem  and  our  National  Banks,  I  state  that  it  had,  counting 
the  issues  of  its  branches,  at  one  time  in  circulation  $4,000,- 
000  on  a  capital  of  ^1 ,600,000,  whereas  all  the  National  Banks 
in  the  State  never  had  more  than  about  $2,000,000  circula, 
tion.  About  five  per  cent,  of  the  no'tes  were  never  presented- 
were  destroyed  or  lost  in  some  way.  The  Bank  of  the  State 
of  North  Carolina  began  in  1832  and  took  the  place  of  the 
State  Bank  of  North  Carolina. 

EARLY  CHURCHES. 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  eighteenth  century  and  early  part 
of  the  nineteenth  religion  was  at  a  low  ebb.  Infidelity  was 
fashionable,  especially  among  the  educated  classes.  It  is 
not  surprising  that  the  early  inhabitants  postponed  attention 
to  religious  services  to  matters  considered  more  pressing,  of 
building  their  homes  and  turning  primeval  forests  and  ex- 
hausted old  fields  into  fertile  gardens.  There  was  no  church 
edifice  for  many  years,  the  State-house  serving  for  the  use 
of  any  clergvman  who  would  visit  Raleigh  and  seek  a  con- 
gregation. The  great  Methodist  Bishop,  Francis  Asbury, 
records  in  his  journal  that  on  March  Hth,  1800,  he  "preached 
in  the  State-house.  Notwithstanding  the  day  was  very  cold 
and  snowy  we  had  many  people  to  hear.  I  baptized  a  little 
child  and  came  that  evening  to  Tomas  Proctor's." 

In  1805  or  1806  William  Glendenning,  a  native  of  Scot- 
land, removed  to  Raleigh  and  established  a  grocery  store  on 
Newbern  avenue  opposite  the  present  Episcopal  Rectory.  He 
had  been  a  preacher  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  but 
seceded  with  James  OTvelly.  He  built  the  first  church  in 
the  city,  on  Blount  street  between  Morgan  and  Hargett,  and 
called  it  Bethel.  He  became  insane  and  was  called  the 
"Crazy  Parson,"  and,  of  course,  made  little  religious  impres- 
sion on  the  community. 

The  first  Presbyterian  congregation  in  Raleigh  was  organ- 
ized in  1806.  The  first  regular  pastor  was  Rev.  William 
Turner,  of  Virginia,  his  Elders  being  Judge  Henry  Potter, 
William  Shaw,  and  Thomas  Emonj^.  The  religious  services 
w^ere  held  in  the  hall  of  the  House  of  Commons.  In  June, 
1810.  the  Trustees  of  the  Raleigh  Academy  invited  Dr. 
William  McPheeters,  a  Presbyterian  divine,  to  take  charge 
of  the  Academy  and  become  "  Pastor  of  the  City."  While 
they  had  no  power  to  confer  this  authority,  yet  the  tender 


65 

certainly  shows  singular  weakness  of  other  denominations 
or  inditi'erence  to  the  subject.  Certainly  for  several  years 
many  who  did  not  become  Presbyterians  seem  quietly  to 
have  accepted  Dr.  McPheeters  as  their  spiritual  guide,  his 
place  of  preaching  until  1817  being  the  State-house,  and  then 
the  Presbyterian  church. 

There  were  movements,  howev^er,  adverse  to  the  autocracy 
nf  the  able  young  pastor.  In  1811  the  Methodists  held  a 
Conference  for  the  tirst  time  in  Raleigh.  Bishops  Asbury 
and  McKendree  were  present.  Bishop  Asbury  records  that 
he  preached  in  the  State-house  to  two  thousand  people. 
There  was  a  notable  revival,  probably  the  first  in  Raleigh. 
Rev.  Dr.  Mangum,  in  his  exhaustive  history  of  the  Metho- 
dist Church  in  Raleigh,  grows  enthusiastic  in  his  description 
of  it.  "  The  old  State-house,  so  often  the  scene  of  festive 
delights  and  political  excitements,  now  rang  day  and  night 
with  sermons  and  songs  and  cries  and  shouts."  The  result 
was  the  second  church  edifice,  the  first  built  by  any  denomi- 
nation, a  plain  wooden  structure,  finished  in  18li,  on  the 
lot  donated  by  Willie  Jones  of  Halifax,  bought  by  him  at 
the  sale  of  1 7^>2.  This  building  was  burnt  in  1839,  replaced 
in  1841  by  one  which  was  removed  to  give  place  to  the  pres- 
ent noble  structure.  The  first  pastor  in  1811  was  Canellum 
H.  Hines. 

The  Baptists  were  next  in  the  field.  Elder  Robert  T. 
Daniel  organized  a  congregation  in  1812.  A  church  build- 
ing of  an  humble  character  was  erected  w^hich  was  after- 
wards removed  to  Moore  Square,  on  this  account  called  by 
many  afterwards  the  Baptist  Grove. 

Here  for  many  years  the  founders  of  the  Baptist  church 
w^orshi[)ed.  It  is  hard  to  realize  that  the  fathers  and 
mothers  of  this  denomination,  now  so  wealthy,  once  were 
accustoiTied  each  to  take  a  tallow  candle  to  this  humble 
building  in  order  to  produce  a  "dim,  religious  light"  for 
services  at  night.  Yet  my  excellent  friend,  Mrs.  Alfred  Wil- 
liams, assures  me  that  the  practice  was  common.  About  1835 
a  division  occurred,  partly  from  overgrowth,  but  partly 
also  from  differences  of  opinion.  By  the  special  labors 
and  pecuniary  sacrificesof  the  pastor.  Rev.  Amos  J.  Battle,  a 
new  and  better  edifice  was  erected  at  the  southeast  corner  of 
Wilmington  and  Morgan  streets.  This,  too,  gave  way,  in 
1858,  to  the  present  imposing  First  Baptist  church,  the  old 
building  being  sold  to  the  Roman  Catholics. 

The  congregation,  which  kept  the  old  Moore  Square  church, 
dwindled  until  after  the  civil  war  there  remained  onlv  one 


66 

member,  Mr.  Mark  Williams.  He  sold  the  old  building  to 
a  colored  congregation,  who  removed  it  to  the  trans-rail- 
road southern  suburb,  known  as  Hayti. 

The  Protestant  Episcopal  church  was  not  consecrated 
until  1880.  A  convention  of  the  Diocese  was  held  in  Ral- 
eigh in  1821  in  the  Supreme  Court  room,  and  this  stimulated 
the  organization  of  a  parish  in  August  of  that  year.  The 
first  vestrymen  were  John  Haywood,  John  Lewis  Taylor,  the 
Chief  Justice,  A.  S.  Burgess,  M.  D.,  James  Henderson,  M.  D., 
and  William  H.  Hayw<:>od,  jr.,  afterwards  Senator  of  the 
United  States.  Rev.  William  M.  Green,  afterwards  a  pro- 
fessor in  the  University  of  North  Carolina,  and  then  Bishop 
of  Mississippi,  held  services  for  the  congregation  until  Bishop 
John  Stark  Ravenscroft  took  charge  in  December,  1823.  He 
reported  to  the  Convention  of  1824  that  he  had  officiated 
occasionally  in  the  Presbyterian  house  of  worship  until  the 
18th  of  Januar3\  "  when  divine  service  was  performed  and 
a  sermon  preached  morning  and  evening  in  the  house  rented 
and  fitted  up  as  a  temporary  chapel."  The  number  of  com- 
municants he  reports  at  about  twent^^-five,  and  the  whole 
number  connected  with  the  congregation  about  thirty-five. 
This  temporary  chapel  was  a  building  called  "  The  Museum," 
erected  by  Jacob  Marling,  a  portrait  painter,  for  exhibition 
of  curiosities,  such  as  minerals,  machinery,  phantasmagoria, 
etc.,  for  a  sight  of  which  12J  cents  w^as  charged.  It  now 
belongs  to  the  Masonic  fraternity.  Bishop  Ravenscroft 
removed  to  Williamsborough  in  1828,  and  was  succeeded  by 
Rev.  Charles  P.  Elliott  who,  after  one  year,  resigned  and 
gave  place  to  Rev.  George  W.  Freeman,  uncle  of  Mr.  Edward 
B.  Freeman,  long  a  Clerk  of  the  Supreme  Court.  The  old 
church  of  1830  was  sold  in  1853  to  the  colored  Methodists, 
and  replaced  by  the  present  stone  building,  designed  by 
Upjohn.  The  old  bell  purchased  in  1832  was,  in  1861, 
donated  to  the  Episcopal  church  at  Chapel  Hill. 

The  many  churches  which  have  been  built  and  congrega- 
tions organized  within  recent  years  I  refrain  from  describing, 
as  my  plan  is  to  confine  myself  to  those  of  earlier  times. 

For  many  years  there  was  only  one  Sunday-school  in  the 
city,  at  first  held  in  Glendennin's  church,  Bethel,  and  after- 
wards in  the  Academy.  When  the  hour  for  morning  service 
approached,  the  children  and  teachers  marched  to  the  State- 
house  and  formed  part  of  the  congregation  of  Dr.  McPheeters. 
The  good  man  made  compulsory  the  attendance  on  the 
Sunday-school  by  his  own  pupils.  For  repeated  absences 
without  sufficient  reason  the  delinquent  received  a  sound 


67 


flogging  on  Monday  morning.  By  such  penalties  the  study 
of  the  "  Shorter  Catechism  "  was  undoubtedly  stimulated,  but 
we  may  be  permitted  to  doubt  whether  the  love  of  Chris- 
tianity was  stimulated  in  equal  proportion. 

THE  RALEIGH  ACADEMY. 

The  citizens  of  Raleigh  in  1802  inaugurated  the  Raleigh 
Academy.  Nathaniel  Jones  of  White  Plains,  ancestor  of  our 
townsman  Alfred  D.  Jones,  was  President  of  the  Board  of 
Trustees,  Joseph  Gales  being  Secretary.  Rev.  Marin  Detar- 
gney,  of  Princeton  College,  was  Principal,  and  Charles  Daniel 
was  assistant.  Miss  Charlotte  Brodie  was  teacher  of  needle- 
work. Greek  and  Latin,  Spanish  and  French,  mathematics, 
astronomy,  navigation,  etc.,  were  offered  at  S5  per  quarter, 
the  English  branches  at  §3;  needle-work,  free. 

The  school  seems  to  have  met  with  eminent  success.  Its 
closing  exercises  were  an  epoch  in  the  city's  life.  Public 
examinations  were  held  and  trustees  were  detailed  to  attend 
and  report  upon  them.  An  abstract  of  one  of  these  reports, 
which  was  published  in  the  city  papers,  is  instructive  as  giv- 
ing the  character  of  the  grading  of  the  classes  and  the  sub- 
jects taught. 

The  report  shows  that  there  were  separate  classes  in — 

1.  Philosophy  and  Astronomy.  2.  Horace.  3.  Virgil. 
4.  Ccesar.  5.  Select!  Yeterii.  6.  Erasmus.  7.  .Esop's  Fa- 
bles.    8.  Corderii.     9  and  10.  Latin  Grammar. 

One  class  in  geography;  first,  second,  third  and  fourth 
classes  in  English  Grammar;  one  class  in  English  reading; 
one  class  in  writing;  first  and  second  in  spelling. 

In  the  Female  Department: 

First,  second,  third,  fourth  and  fifth  classes  in  spelling; 
first,  second,  third,  fourth  and  fifth  classes  in  reading;  first 
second,  third  and  fourth  classes  in  English  Grammar;  one 
class  in  parsing  in  Blair's  Lectures;  first  and  second  classes  in 
geography  ;  first  and  second  classes  in  writing;  first,  second 
and  third  classes  in  embroidery  ;  one  class  in  tambour  work  ; 
one  class  in  cotton  floss  work  ;  one  class  in  alphabetical  sam- 
plers. 

The  examinations  occupied  Thursday  and  Friday.  On 
Saturday  the  students  read  compositions  and  pronounced 
speeches  to  "  large  and  respectable  audiences."  Those  who 
did  best  were  publicly  announced,  but  I  see  no  mention  of 
prizes. 

After  the  close  in  1809  the  students  presented  a  comedy 
called  "  Sighs,  or  the  Daughter,"  and  the  farce  of  "  Trick  upon 


68 

Trick,"  for  the  benefit  of  the  Polemic  Lihrar}',  which,  I  sup- 
pose, belonged  to  the  school.  At  night  was  a  ball  attended 
by  the  older  pupils. 

The  Trustees  of  1802  were  Nathaniel  Jones  (White  Plains), 
John  Hughes,  William  White,  Henry  Seawell, Simon  Turner, 
AVilliara  Boylan.  John  Marshall  and  Joseph  Gales.  To  these 
were  added,  in  1809,  Redding  Jones,  Allen  Rogers,  W.  H. 
Haywood,  8.  Goodwin,  Beverly  Daniel,  W.  Shaw,  Joseph 
Peace,  S.  Bond,  William  Peck,  William  Hill,  Charles  Parish 
and  John  Raboteau. 

It  will  be  noticed  that  great  stress  is  laid  on  Latin  in  the 
training  of  the  boys,  while  the  girls  were  confined  to  the 
English  branches.  Further,  it  is  observable  that  the  princi- 
ple of  practical  training,  so  much  talked  of  in  modern  times, 
was  introduced  for  the  benefit  of  the  girls,  while  the  boys 
had  none  at  all.  The  boys  were  instructed  as  if  they  were 
designed  for  one  of  the  learned  professions.  The  girls  were 
educated  to  be  good  spellers  and  readers,  to  be  well  acquainted 
w4th  geography,  and  their  hands  were  trained  to  be  able  to 
use  deftly  the  needle.  Many  of  them,  too,  learned  to  play 
on  a  piano  or  guitar  under  a  music  teacher  of  reputation,  an 
Englishman  named  Thomas  Sam  bourne.  They  were  well 
taught,  too.  My  soul  thrills  after  the  lapse  of  half  a  century 
wnth  the  inspiriting  tunes  which  leaped  from  the  rapidly 
flying  fingers  of  the  dear  ladies  of  the  old  school — Virginia 
Reels,  Battle  of  Prague,  Coronation  March,  and  the  like. 
They  were  not  stuffed  with  the  classics  and  higher  mathe- 
matics and  other  "ologies,"  but  they  were  taught  to  be  grace- 
ful and  agreeable  companions  and  excellent  housewives.  I 
may  be  WTong,  but  I  must  state  my  opinion,  that,  although 
no  prettier  than  the  girls  of  the  present  day,  for  that  is  sim- 
ply impossible,  thev  understood  and  practised  better  than 
their  descendants  the  art  of  conversation.  'Governor  Swain 
in  his  Tucker  Hall  address  printed  a  letter  written  by  Mrs. 
Winifred  Gales  and  signed  by  sixteen  Raleigh  ladies,  accom- 
panying the  gift  of  a  pair  of  globes  and  a  compass  to  the 
new^  University  of  the  State.  I  have  the  original  to  show  you. 
You  will  find  that  not  only  is  the  letter  couched  in  good 
English,  but  the  handwriting  is  all  good,  lady-like  and  legi- 
ble. You  will  further  find  that  the  fashion  of  covering  the 
side  of  the  sheet  with  three  or  four  lines  of  illegible  hiero- 
glyphics had  not  invaded  our  city  in  1802. 

Let  us  read  the  names  of  those  ladies:  S.  W.  Potter, 
Eliza  E.  Haywood,  Sarah  Polk,  Anna  White,  Martha 
McKeethan,  Margaret  Casso,  Eliza  Williams,  Nancy  Bond, 


69 

Hannah  Paddisson,  Susanna  Parish,  Ann  O'Bryan,  E.  H.  P. 
Smith,  Nancy  Haywood,  Priscilla  Shaw,  Rebecca  Willianas, 
Winifred  Mears. 

All  have  long  ago  closed  their  eyes  forever  on  the  beauti- 
ful town  they  luved  so  well,  and  whose  society  they  adorned. 
But  their  teachings  and  their  examples  will  live  in  the 
character  of  those  with  whom  in  life  they  were  thrown  until 
the}^  shall  all  meet  around  the  throne  of  God.  Let  us  hope 
that  the  benediction  on  the  University  uttered  by  these 
good  ladies  ninety  years  ago — "  May  the  past,  present  and 
future  students  distinguish  themselves  in  society,  no  less 
by  their  literary  attainments,  than  by  a  virtuous  course  of 
conduct,  which,  giving  additional  lustre  to  talents,  will  ren- 
der them  at  once  useful  and  honorable  members  of  society  " — 
be  realized  unfailingly  and  abundantly  in  all  the  years  to 
come  I 

In  1-SlO  there  was  elected  to  take  charge  of  the  Academy 
a  native  of  one  of  the  lovely  counties  of  Virginia,  in  whose 
cold,  clear  springs  the  noble  James  river  has  its  source,  a 
young  preacher  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  destined  to  have 
a  great  influence  in  moulding  the  character  of  our  people, 
Rev.  William  McPheeters,  honored  in  1819  with  the  degree 
of  Doctor  of  Divinity  b}'-  the  University  of  the  State.  Dr. 
McPheeters  was  a  man  of  learning  and  of  strongest  charac- 
ter, of  great  personal  magnetism,  an  admirable  teacher,  kind 
to  all,  but  inflexibly  severe  to  offenders.  It  shows  the  primi- 
tive state  of  our  society  tliat  he  was  elected,  as  I  have  stated,  by 
the  Trustees  not  only  teacher  of  the  Academy,  but  "  Pastor  of 
the  City."  He  preached  most  acceptably  in  the  State-house 
until  1817,  when  the  Presbyterian  church  was  erected.  He 
gave  up  the  Academy  about  1833.  In  1837  he  spent  a  year 
in  Fayetteville  in  charge  of  a  large  female  seminary,  and 
resigned  on  account  of  failing  health.  For  the  same  reason 
he  declined  the  tender  of  the  presidency  of  Davidson  Col- 
lege.    He  returned  to  Raleigh,  to  die,  in  1842. 

There  was  no  more  influential  man  in  the  State  than  Dr. 
McPheeters.  Besides  his  ministerial  duties,  he  was  a  great 
pjower  in  education.  Two  years  after  coming  to  North  Caro- 
lina he  was  elected  a  Trustee  of  the  University.  His  school 
received  patronage  from  all  parts  of  the  South,  from  Vir- 
ginia to  Louisiana.  He  was  impartial  in  his  kindness  and 
his  severity,  as  exacting  with  large  boys  as  w^ith  small. 
Once  when  a  boy,  almost  ready  to  enter  the  University,  pre- 
suming on  his  size,  and  possibly  on  his  being  the  son  of  the 
great  Colonel  Polk,  ran  from  the  threatening  rod  in  full  speed 


70 

towards  home,  the  Doctor  pursued,  and  in  sight  of  the  awe- 
struck pupils  captured  the  fleeing  youth  and  administered 
such  a  tanning  as  was  the  source  of  abundant  good  to  the 
future  Bishop  of  Louisiana  and  Lieutenant  General  of  the 
Confederacy.  The  Bishop  thanked  him  afterwards,  saying 
it  was  the  turning  point  of  his  life.  Among  his  pupils 
were  some  of  the  most  eminent  men  in  the  land ;  who  all 
testified  to  his  superiority. 

Dr.  McPheeters  had  some  able  assistants.  Among  them 
I  notice  a  young  immigrant  from  Scotland,  who  was  married 
while  a  citizen  of  Ealeigh  and  afterwards  became  one  of  the 
most  distinguished  teachers  in  the  South,  Rev.  Alexander 
Wilson,  on  whom  our  University  conferred  the  degree  of 
Doctor  of  Divinity  in  1839.  James  Grant,  who  graduated 
at  our  University  in  1831,  by  teaching  in  the  same  school 
raised  the  money  which  enabled  him  to  emigrate  to  Iowa, 
become  an  eminent  lawyer  and  Judge,  and  near  the  close  of 
his  life  to  be  a  benefactor  of  his  Alma  Mater. 

In  1832,  in  consequence  of  the  failing  health  of  Dr.  Mc- 
Pheeters, an  ambitious  attempt  was  made  to  establish  at 
Raleigh  a  large  school  under  the  auspices  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  church.  Subscriptions  amounting  to  about  $12,- 
000  were  procured,  mostly  payable  in  the  future,  while  the 
buildings  were  erected  on  a  tract  of  lo9J  acres,  on  a  mort- 
gage of  the  property.  Dr.  Joseph  G.  Cogswell,  afterwards 
the  learned  librarian  of  the  Astor  Library  in  New  York,  was 
the  first  Principal.  The  school  was  at  first  greatly  success- 
ful in  securing  patronage,  at  one  time  reaching  135,  but  the  ' 
discipline  was  bad,  the  financial  support  failed,  and  the 
pupils  fell  away.  In  1838  it  was  closed  and  the  property 
sold  to  Duncan  Cameron. 

But  the  promoters  of  the  enterprise  builded  better  than 
they  knew.  After  this  school  for  boys  had  failed,  in  1842 
there  was  inaugurated  in  the  same*^  buildings  St.  Mary's 
School  for  girls.  Its  founder.  Rev.  Dr.  Aldert  Smedes,  had 
rare  qualifications  for  this  work.  He  was  a  man  of  big  brain 
and  great  heart.  During  the  privations  of  the  great  Civil 
War,  and  in  the  troublous  years  afterwards,  the  doors  of 
his  school  were  kept  open,  even  when  he  was  suffering  a 
pecuniary  loss.  His  benefactions  in  the  way  of  free  tuition 
and  board  on  credit,  at  all  times  liberal,  were  in  those  days 
princely.  There  is  no  calculating  the  amount  of  his  influ- 
ence in  the  thousands  of  homes  adorned  by  his  pupils  all 
through  the  Southern  States.     Peace  Institute,  although  not 


71 

rooted  so  far  in  the  past,  forms  with  St.  Mary's  a  pair  of  noble 
institutions  of  which  Raleigh  is  and  has  reason  to  be  proud. 

Education  was  not  made  easy  in  the  old-time  schools  for 
boys.  Their  teachers  were  faiUiful  and  learned,  as  a  rule, 
but  the  methods  were  not  calculated  to  make  learning  and 
literature  popular  with  the  rising  generation.  People  believed 
that  teaching  and  medicine  were  alike  in  the  respect  that 
the  more  nauseous  they  were  the  greater  good  was  effected. 
Most  teachers  ruled  by  fear  rather  than  love.  The  com- 
bined din  of  body-wrapping  switch  and  howling  boys  was 
often  heard  irom*^  the  school-room.  As  a  necessary  conse- 
quence schools  were  odious  to  the  pupil.  The  average 
"  scholar,"  as  he  was  called,  looked  on  any  youngster  who 
claimed  lo  love  school  as  a  devotee  of  the  Father  of  Lies,  rather 
than  of  the  God  of  Truth,  and  as  seeking  under  unholy  pre- 
tences to  obtain  the  praise  of  the  teacher.  The  books  taught 
were,  as  a  rule,  without  illustrations  and  expressed  in  lan- 
guage above  childish  comprehension.  It  strikes  one  with 
astonishment  to  see  w^hat  dry  abstract  passages  of  great 
authors  are  contained  in  the  juvenile  readers  uf  old  times, 
and  to  notice  what  polysyllabic  words  were  contained^  in 
definitions  to  be  learn  (fby  mere  children.  Things  had  im- 
proved some  in  my  boyhood,  but  I  remember  that  when 
eight  years  old  I  was  ioiced  to  study  a  book  in  which  my 
duty  was,  under  penalty  of  the  rod,  to  spell  such  words  as 
druggist,  and  then  give  from  memory  the  so-called  definition 
2)ho.rmacopolist. 

The  result  was  that  bovs  regarded  themselves  in  a  s'ateof 
war  with  the  teacher.  It  was  good  morals  to  cheat  him  in 
all  possible  ways.  The  teacher,  especially  Dr.  McPheeters, 
was  generally  too  wary  for  the  most  cunning.  I  recall  a 
forged  excuse  offered  by  a  youth  who  had  run  off  on  a  fish- 
ing excursion.  "  Philemon  are  contained  at  home  by  dispo- 
sition." It  was  signed,  apparently,  by  his  older  sister.  The 
Doctor  said  with  a  dangerous  glitter  in  his  eye,  "  Your  sister 
did  not  WTite  this!"  whereupon  Philemon,  in  alarm,  blurted 
out,  "  Sister  never  could  spell,  no  how." 

Mr.  Lovejoy,  Jefferson  Madison  Lovejoy,  "Old  Jeff,"  was 
the  last  of  the  old-time  teachers,  and  he  became  somewhat 
milder  at  the  close  of  his  career.  His  standing  rule  was  a  hck 
for  each  word  missed,  and  he  seemed  to  enjoy  the  infliction. 
I  have  heard  him  ridicule  a  moaning  sufferer.  "  What  is 
a  whipping  ?  Nothing  but  bringing  a  stick  into  contact  with 
a  boy's  leg.     Why  make  a  fuss  about  that?" 


72 

On  the  whole,  he  was  a  good  teacher  and  kind  to  those 
who  would  do  right  and  obey  orders.  He  was  a  man  of 
force  and  striking  peculiarities  of  manner  and  diction.  With 
what  awe  I  listened  to  his  account  of  his  courtship  of  his 
excellent  wife.  "I  courted  her.  She  said  '  Xo  !'  I  said, 
if  you  will  not  have  me  you  shall  not  marry  another.  I 
will  watch.  If  any  man  shows  attention  to  you  I  will  KILL 
him  I  IShe  was  a  good  woman.  She  did  not  want  young 
men  slaughtered.  iShe  did  not  want  me  to  be  hung  for  mur- 
der. She  married  me,  and  has  been  the  best  wife  in  the 
world." 

PUBLIC  SCHOOLS. 

While  the  private,  or,  as  they  were  called,  subscription 
schools,  of  Raleigh  were  as  a  rule  of  high  order,  the  public 
schools  were,  until  a  recent  date,  more  confined  to  the  lower 
grades,  "  the  three  R's,"  as  they  were  called,  Reading  'Riting 
and  'Rithmetic.  The  school-houses  were  built  about  1841, 
Fayelteville  and  Halifax  streets  being  the  dividing  line  be- 
tween two  districts.  The  eastern  school-house  was  in  Moore 
Square,  usually  known  as  the  ''  Baptist  Grove";  the  western 
on  William  Boylan's  land,  immediately  west  of  the  land  of 
Sylvester  Smith.  This  latter  was  abandoned  in  a  year  or 
two,  and  another  built  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Cabarrus 
and  McDowell  streets.  After  a  few  years  a  third,  designed 
for  females  only,  was  built  at  the  northwest  corner  of  the 
City  Cemeter}^  The  Cabarrus  and  McDowell  street  house 
was  sold  to  the  Gas  Company,  and  another  erected  in  Nash 
Square,  whence,  after  the  war,  it  was  removed  to  one  of  the 
brick-yard  lots  west  of  D.  C.  Murray's  residence.  These 
were  humble  beginnings  of  our  noble  Centennial  and  Mur- 
phey  Graded  Schools. 

SOCIAL  LIFE  OF  EARLY  RALEIGH. 

It  would  be  a  pleasant  task  to  sketch  the  character  of  all 
the  prominent  men  and  women  who  have  illustrated  our 
city's  past,  but  this  would  give  my  address  an  intolerable 
length.  Confining  myself  to  the  early  citizens,  let  us  give 
some  account  of  their  social  life. 

Owing  to  the  fact  that  housekeepers  owned  their  cooks  and 
house-servants,  there  was  a  more  free  hospitality  than  is 
possible  now.  Many  families  had  waiters  of  faultless  skill 
in  the  conduct  of  the  great  feasts  so  common  in  the  good 
old  days.  But  as  a  rule  matrons  were  not  by  any  means 
relieved  from  care. 


It  is  true  that  she  could  command  their  labor  and  had  no 
fears  of  being  left  servantless  at  a  critical  moment.  It  is 
true  that  she  had  her  cows,  who  cropped  unmolested  the 
grass  on  the  streets  and  in  the  neighboring  meadows; 
her  pigs,  who  revelled  in  the  acorns  and  hickory-nuts  of 
uncleared  forests;  poultry  in  the  backyard,  dreading  no  enemy 
but  the  mink  and  the  opossum.  But  her  servants  were 
often  as  raw  and  green  as  the  cabbages  in  the  gardens,  and 
it  was  necessary  carefully  to  tutor  them  to  avoid  ludicrous 
mistakes.  Even  with  the  extremest  care  disconcerting  blun- 
ders were  not  infrequent.  I  recall  an  incident  at  the  table  of  an 
elegant  lady  of  English  birth.  A  large  company  was  present. 
!She  had  prepared  a  number  of  pies,  which  she  desired  to  be 
heated  at  the  proper  time  for  the  dessert.  She  said  to  her 
waiting  maid  in  a  low  tone,  "Go,  'eat  the  pies!"  The 
maid  disappeared.  A  long  interval  ensued.  The  lady  was 
in  agony.  At  last  the  maid  returned.  There  was  a  glow  of 
happiness  on  her  cheeks  and  a  suspiciously  moist  appear- 
ance about  her  lips.  The  mistress  whispered,  impatiently, 
"  I  told  you  to  'eat  the  pies  !"  "  I  done  eat  'em,  ma'am  !"  was 
the  horrifying  reply. 

Here  is  a  case  which  happened  at  my  grandmother's  table  : 
The  servant  was  instructed  to  hand  plates  on  the  left  sides 
of  the  guests.  She  avowed,  "  I  don't  know,  ma'am,  nothin' 
about  left  sides  I"  "  Well,  you  know^  which  is  the  right  side, 
don't  you  ?"  "  No,  ma'am,  I  don't  know  nothin'  about  right 
sides,  nuther  !"  Gentlemen  at  that  date  were  used  to  have 
bright  brass  buttons  on  the  left  lappels  of  their  coats,  so  my 
grandmother  told  her  to  hand  the  plates  on  the  side  where 
the  buttons  were.  Alas  !  for  human  hopes  !  One  of  the  com- 
pany was  just  from  Washington  City,  and  was  decorated 
with  the  latest  Parisian  style  of  brass  buttons  on  both  breasts 
of  his  coat.  So  my  grandmother  was  thrown  into  consterna- 
tion by  the  girl  saying  in  a  tone  loud  enough  to  reach  the 
whole  table,  "  Miss,  dere's  a  gem'man  what's  got  buttons  on 
bofe  sides  of  his  coat— w^hich  must  I  hand  to?" 

My  elder  hearers  can  doubtless  recall  many  such  instances 
in  their  ow^n  households.  The  tact  and  good  sense  of  the 
mistress  under  such  adverse  circumstances  was  needed  to- 
turn  the  misfortune  into  a  source  of  merriment,  but  many  a 
sensitive  nature  was  saddened  by  the  mishap. 

I  am  proud  to  state  that  the  treatment  of  slaves  in  Raleigh 
was  generally  kindly  and  wise.  Nowhere  was  there  a  more 
agreeable  feeling  between  the  races.  Masters  and  mistresses 
did  their  best  to  train  their  servants  into  habits  of  virtue 


o 


74 

and  industry.  Their  efforts  met  with  much  success.  No- 
where were  better  cooks,  seamstresses,  housemaids,  mechan- 
ics and  hostlers.  When  fires  occurred  the  colored  were  always 
at  hand  and  worked  as  hard,  mounted  as  dangerous  rooifs, 
and  were  as  much  singed  by  the  scorching  flames  as  the 
w^hites.  Throughout  the  war  the  colored  people  were,  as  a 
rule,  true  to  their  owners,  and  afier  its  close  neither  the 
unbalancing  effects  of  emancipation,  nor  the  heated  discus- 
sions incident  to  politics,  introduced  any  permanent  ill-feel- 
ing between  the  races.  For  this  truly  christian  spirit  the 
old  people  of  Raleigh  should  have  the  credit. 

GOVERNOR'S  RECEPTION. 

It  was  the  fashion  for  the  Governors  to  give  i)ublic  recep- 
t'ons  every  year  during  the  session  ot  the  General  Assembly. 
To  these  were  invited  not  only  all  the  members  but  all  repu- 
table people  of  the  chy.  It  was  by  means  of  such  social 
influences  that  the  Governors  retained  their  power.  The 
Constitution  of  1776  gave  the  General  Assembly  not  only  the 
election  of  the  executive  officers,  but  the  entire  control  of 
their  salaries.  When  an  anxious  patriot,  who  had  dreaded 
the  arbitrary  power  of  Tryon  and  Josiah  Martin,  asked  Wil- 
liam Hooper,  on  his  return  from  the  Congress  at  Halifax, 
"What  powers  did  you  give  the  Governoi?"  his  reply  was 
tranquilizing,  "  We  gave  him  the  power  to  sign  the  receipt 
for  his  salar}^ — no  more."  Yet  these  otlic-  rs  by  their  intel- 
lectual and  social  pre-eminence  exerted  a  .-trong  and  abiding 
influence  in  the  control  of  affairs  in  the  State.  Nearly  all  of 
the  early  Governors  were  elected  three  years  in  succession, 
which  was  the  constitutional  limit,  and  most  of  them  were 
at  the  close  of  their  term  transferred  to  positions  of  their 
choice.  For  example,  Martin,  Johnston,  Turner,  Stone, 
Branch,  Franklin,  Iredell,  Stokes,  were  all  made  Senators  of 
the  United  States,  and  Swain  President  of  the  University. 
The  last  was  such  a  favorite— Judge,  Solicitor,  Governor  be- 
fore he  was  thirty-four  years  of  age — that  Avhen  he  was  elected 
President  of  the  University  Dr.  William  Hooper  cynically 
remarked,  "  The  people  have  given  him  ever}-  office,  and  now 
send  him  to  the  University  to  be  educated." 

PUBLIC  BALLvS. 

A  prominent  feature  of  social  life  was  the  public  ball,  or, 
to  use  an  euphemistic  name  coined  about  1807,  "  Subscription 


75 

Assembly."  The  general  rule  was  that  all  respectable  men, 
who  paid  the  fee,  sometimes  as  high  as  five  dollars,  were 
privileged  to  attend.  Managers  were  appointed,  invested 
with  larger  powers  than  similar  officers  of  our  "  hops."  They 
conducted  the  introduction  of  strangers  to  one  another,  and 
assigned  partners  at  their  discretion.  It  was  considered  good 
form  not  to  decline  to  carry  out  their  arrangements.  Mrs. 
Kennelh  Rayner,  who  in  her  distant  home  in  the  Southwest 
still  has  a  Raleigh  heart,  writes  me  that  soon  after  the  mar- 
riage of  her  father  (Col.  William  Polk)  to  Miss  Sarah  Haw- 
kins, aunt,  by  the  by,  of  Dr.  Wm.  J.  Hawkins,  the  managers 
assigned  to  her  mother  a  partner  very  inferior  to  her  in  social 
rank.  Colonel  Polk  was  an  aristocrat  of  the  first  water  and 
an  ardent  Federalist,  all  the  more  devoted  to  his  party  be- 
cause the  tide  of  public  opinion  was  running  furiously  and 
fatally  against  it.  His  anger  began  to  blaze  at  the  supposed 
insult,  and  he  would  probably  have  made  a  public  exhibi- 
tion of  his  wrath  if  his  wife  had  not  laid  her  hand  gently  on 
his  shoulder,  saying,  "  My  dear,  don't  be  angry.  These  peo- 
ple hoped  to  annoy  you.  I  will  dance  with  the  gentleman 
and  prevent  their  enjoying  their  spite."  And  so  she  did, 
showing  the  excellent  sense  which  distinguished  her.  This 
assignment  of  partners  by  the  managers  applied  probably 
only  to  the  regular  sets  on  the  programme.  After  these  the 
parties  got  together  according  to  their  own  affinities.  I 
recall  a  case  where  the  son  of  a  butcher  was  refused  by  sev- 
eral ladies  because  he  did  not  visit  in  their  set.  Then  a  very 
popular  belle  who  witnessed  his  mortification  called  up  a 
manager  and  said,  "Tell  him  to  ask  me.  I  will  dance  with 
him."  She  did  dance  with  him  and  never  had  cause  to 
regret  it. 

This  last  incident  happened  in  Warrenton,  but  I  wish  to 
record  for  the  honor  of  Raleigh  that  its  society,  though 
composed  of  the  elite  of  the  State,  equal  to  any  in  the  South, 
was  never  haughty  and  exclusive.  It  readily  admitted  those 
who,  without  possessing  the  advantages  of  birth  or  fortune, 
had  high  character,  good  sense,  and  the  tact  enabling  them 
to  conform  to  its  usages. 

Dances  were  mainly  jigs,  reels  and  cotillions,  or  contra- 
dances,  mispronounced  country  dances.  The  grand  minuet 
had  gone  out  of  fashion.  Not  long  before  his  death  in  1836, 
at  the  request  of  a  party  of  young  folks,  Colonel  Polk  and 
Miss  Betsy  Geddy,  one  of  the  best  of  the  noble  tribe  of  "old 
maids,"  went  through  its  antiquated  figures  for  the  amuse- 
ment of  the  company.     The  music  was  almost  invariably 


76 

furnished  by  colored  fiddlers,  who  acquired  wonderful  skill 
in  playing  their  dance  tunes.  By  constant  repetition  the 
musical  sounds  would  be  brought  out  in  due  harmony, 
whether  the  wielder  of  the  bow  was  awake  or  asleep,  sober 
or,  as  he  often  was,  drunk.  The  music  was  extremely 
inspiriting.  As  you  listened  you  could  actually  hear  the 
violiu  shriek  out  the  request,  "  Molly,  put  the  kettle  on,''  or 
inquire  facetiously — 

"  Old  Molly  Hare,  what  are  you  doing:  there  ? 
{Sitting  in  a  corner  smoking  a  cigar." 

Or  ask,  as  if  it  expected  an  answer — 

"Oh!  Mister  Revel. 
Did  you  ever  see  the  devil 
VVith  his  wooden  spade  and  shovel, 
A  digging  up  the  gravel 
With  nis  long  toe-nail?" 

Or,  changing  the  subject,  would  inform  us  that,  "The  crow 
he  peeped  at  the  weasel,  and  the  weasel  he  peeped  at  the 
crow\"  The  music  may  not  have  been  as  scientific  as  in 
modern  days,  but  there  was  vastly  more  fun  in  it.  It  would 
strike  the  auric  nerve,  run  down  to  your  feet  and  put  motion 
into  your  toes  in  spite  of  the  strongest  resolutions  against 
it.  Men  who  had  lost  their  feet  affirmed  that  it  set  agoing 
the  toes  which  had  been  buried  years  ago.  It  seemed  to  be 
dangerous  to  pla}'  those  tunes  in  the  presence  of  marble 
statues,  unless  they  were  securely  fastened  to  the  floor.  The 
old  revivalists  who  wished  to  wean  their  converts  from  the 
vanities  of  balls,  felt  compelled  to  proscribe  the  fiddle  as  the 
Devil's  instrument.  When  I  was  a  boy  it  was  a  general 
religious  tenet,  that  playing  it  w^as  a  sin  equal  to  dancing, 
horse-racing,  cock-fighting  and  gambling. 

It  is  easy  to  see  why  the  revivalists  took  this  ground. 

It  was  the  habit  of  the  time  to  indulge  freely  the  use  of 
spirituous  liquors.  Our  forefathers,  not  our  foremothers, 
thought  they  w^ere  drinking  down  health  and  long  life.  In 
fact,  even  when  they  didnot  become  drunkards  and  die  the 
drunkard's  death, they  were  gathering  to  themselves  all  such 
evils  as  gout,  disease  of  the  liver,  of  the  heart,  of  the  kid- 
neys. It  was  the  fashion  to  offer  spirits  on  all  occasions. 
My  father  told  me  that  when  he  was  in  the  Legislature  in 
1833-'34,  the  members,  as  a  rule,  kept  a  jug  in  their  rooms 
and  offered  a  glass  to  every  visitor.  All  social  meetings  had 
abundance  of  it,  and  it  was  the  attraction  which  brought 
the  neighbors  together  at  log-rollings  and  corn-shuckings. 
I  recall  seeing  my  father,  w^hen  his  colored  manager  invited 


the  neighboring  negroes  to  a  corn-shucking,  aUhongh  he 
himself  was  an  abstainer,  supplying  the  whiskey  to  enliven 
the  workers.  Tlie  scene  was  an  inspiriting  one.  The  bright 
corn  ears,  as  they  were  torn  from  their  enveloping  shucks 
and  thrown  on  the  rapidly  growing  pile,  flashed  in  the 
bright  blaze  of  the  lightwood  hre,  and  the  loud  chanting  of 
the  negro  song  echoed  weirdly  from  the  surrounding  woods. 
At  the  close  ttie  leaders  seized  him  in  defiance  of  his  protests 
and  carried  him  around  the  dwelling-house  on  their  shoulders, 
the  entire  crowd  accompanying,  and  singing  the  old  song, 
"Round  the  corn,  Sally!"  He  had  not  then  reached  the 
dignity  of  a  Judge,  but,  I  think,  judicial  dignity  would  not 
have  protected  him. 

PUBLIC  AMUSEMENTS. 

The  circus,  which  for  scores  of  years  has  set  people  wild, 
was  not  known  in  the  early  days.  Bat  theatrical  and  sleight- 
of-hand  performances  and  feats  of  agility  and  strength  were 
much  enjoyed.     Here  is  what  I  find  in  an  old  advertisement : 

FEATS  OF  ACTIVITY  ! 

William  Powers  Knight.  Lately  from  Charleston.  He  will  stick 
two  pins  in  the  stage  in  front  of  his  feet,  and  throw  his  head  backward 
between  his  legs  and  take  up  one  pin  in  each  eye-liri. 

He  will  stand  on  the  small  knob  of  a  chair  with  his  heels  up  and  dance 
a  hornpipe. 

He  will  dance  a  hornpipe  with  both  feet  on  the  crown  of  his  head. 

And  so  on  with  a  half  dozen  more  similar  contortions, 
and  offering  to  refund  the  price  of  admission,  five  shillings, 
or  fifty  cents,  if  he  should  fail. 

The  theatrical  performances,  sometimes  by  strolling  play- 
ers, and  very  often  by  amateurs  of  the  city,  were  greatly 
enjoyed,  though  the  scenery  was  extremely  simple.  Occa- 
sionally a  young  man  would  develop  such  histrionic  talent 
as  to  incite  him  to  become  an  orator  on  the  political  stump. 

COURT  SCENES. 

In  addition  to  the  annual  meetings  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly, our  citizens  watched  the  proceedings  of  the  courts,  State 
and  Federal,  with  an  intensity  of  interest  only  paralleled  by 
that  excited  by  the  Ku-klux  trials  and  the  special-tax  bond 
suits'  soon  after  the  close  of  our  Civil  War.  There  were 
many  great  questions  to  be  settled,  and  conspicuous  crimi- 


78 

nals  to  be  prosecuted,  and  some  of  the  judges  and  lawyers 
were  of  uncommon  ability.  I  have  already  told  of  the 
special  tribunal  for  the  trial  of  Secretary  of  State  Glasgow 
and  his  associates.  Another  case  of  extreme  importance 
was  the  ejectment  suit  brought  in  the  United  States  District 
Court  by  the  Earl  of  Coventry  and  others,  heirs  at  law  of 
Earl  Granville,  against  William  Richardson  Davie,  and  a 
second  suit  by  the  same  parties  against  Josiah  Collins,  as 
test  cases,  to  enforce  their  claim  to  the  magnificent  territory 
allotted  in  1744  to  Earl  Granville  as  heir  of  the  original 
Lord  Proprietor,  Sir  George  Carteret.  We  read  in  the  Ral- 
eigh Register  that  on  Thursday  William  Gaston,  for  the 
plaintifls,  "spoke  at  great  length,  and  w4th  much  method, 
perspicuity,  eloquence  and  strength.  The  defence  was  con- 
ducted by  [Duncan]  Cameron,  [Blake]  Baker  and 

Woods,  with  great  ingenuity,  skill  and  force,  and  the  argu- 
ment was  closed  on  Saturday  by  Mr.  [Edward]  Harris,  for 
the  plaintiffs,  w^ith  much  learning  and  ability."  The  case 
was  decided  against  the  plaintiffs,  and  the  appeal  to  the 
Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States  was  never  prosecuted  to 
a  hearing,  probably  because  of  the  war  of  1812. 

The  time  consumed  in  the  trial  of  this  case  was  very  sel- 
dom equalled  in  the  early  days.  It  w^as  rare  that  more  than 
one  day  was  consumed,  the  spinning  out  to  weary  length  of 
examinations  of  witnesses  and  arguments  of  counsel  being 
a  modern  invention. 

PUBLIC  HANGINGS. 

Public  hangings  I  must  not  call  one  of  the  amusements  of 
the  old  days,  but  they  were  productive  of  so  much  interest  and 
excitement  that  I  must  describe  them.  They  were  thought  to 
afford  high  moral  instruction.  The  unfortunate  wretch  was 
clothed  in  a  white  shroud  and  seated  on  his  coffin  in  a  cart,  a 
minister  of  the  gospel  and  the  officers  of  the  law,  together  with  a 
military  company,  attending.  Starting  from  the  jail  the  dismal 
cavalcade  marched  to  the  place  where  the  gallows  was  ready. 
In  the  earliest  times  the  arrangements,  though  effective,  were 
exceedingly  simple.  Phil.  Terrell,  already  mentioned,  was 
suspended  to  an  oak  tree  between  South  and  Lenoir  streets. 
At  another  time  a  cross-beam  was  placed  between  two  trees 
near  the  old  city  graveyard.  At  another  a  similar  beam 
was  placed  between  two  pines  on  Gallows  Hill,  which  was 
the  southwestern  reservation,  at  the  corner  of  South,  and 
West  streets.     After  that  the  rock  quarry  was  selected  and  a 


79 

regular  gallows  erected.  For  some  years  the  criminal  was 
lett  in  the  cart,  and  after  the  adjustment  of  the  rope  the  horse 
was  driven  from  beneath  the  beam.  The  instinctive  love  of 
life  prompted  the  criminal  to  struggle  to  keep  his  feet  on  the 
moving  vehicle  as  long  as  possible  in  a  manner  horrifying 
to  the  spectators.  Hence  the  trap  was  introduced,  held  up 
by  a  rope  passed  over  a  limb  or  beam  and  cut  with  a  chisel 
at  the  critical  moment.  Pulling  up  the  condemned  man  by 
a  heavy  weight  is  of  modern  origin.  The  crowds  present,  as 
I  have  been  told — I  never  witnessed  one  of  these  hangings — 
were,  as  a  rule,  seemingly  impressed  with  the  solemnity  of 
the  scene.  I  am  grieved  to  say,  however,  that  when  once, 
after  the  rope  was  adjusted,  a  reprieve  came  from  the  Gov- 
ernor, there  were  many  expressions  of  disappointment  on  the 
part  of  those  w^ho  had  travelled  many  miles  to  witness  the 
consummation.  A  decent-looking  woman  was  heard  to  say 
indignantly,  "  I  won't  never  go  again  to  see  him  hung  if  he 
never  is  hung,"'  as  if  she  had  been  conferring  a  favor  on  the 
reprieved  man  by  coming  to  his  "  taking  off."  A  newly  mar- 
ried couple  in  Granville  journeyed  to  a  hanging  as  a  bridal 
tour.  Whatever  may  be  thought  of  the  attitude  of  the  peo- 
ple of  the  first  part  of  this  century  to  this  subject,  I  am  bound 
to  record  that  many  good  people  thought  it  right,  and  some 
thought  it  a  duty,  to  be  present  on  all  similar  executions  of 
the  sentence  of  the  law. 

DUELS. 

We  are  happily  in  our  day  spared  the  constant  thrilling 
anxiety  which  our  grandparents  had  in  consequence  of  the 
frequency  of  duels,  often  resulting  in  the  death  of  one  or  both 
parties.  Public  opinion  inexorably  demanded  that  there 
should  be  no  shrinking  from  the  ordeal.  In  South  Carolina 
men- of  established  reputation  thought  it  no  shame  to  act  as 
seconds  to  two  belligerent  students  of  the  State  College,  and 
assisted  them  in  a  combat  which  resulted  in  the  death  of 
one  and  so  terribly  wounding  of  the  other  that  his  usefulness 
for  life  was  destroyed.  I  am  glad  to  say  that  I  find  no  mor- 
tal combats  between  citizens  of  Raleigh,  although  divers  men 
who  had  engaged  in  them  afterw^ards  made  their  home  within 
its  limits.  I  am  glad,  too,  that  the  editors  of  both  our  news- 
papers, Mr.  Joseph  Gales  and  Mr.  AVilliam  Boylan,  had  the 
courage  to  raise  their  voices  against  the  horrible  practice. 
The  following  eloquent  apostrophe  appears  in  the  Minerva, 
of  1807,  after  giving  an  item  to  the  effect  that  in  Beaufort, 


80 

South  Carolina,  Arthur  Sunth  on  Monday  afternoon  and 
Thomas  Hutson  on  Tuesday  of  the  same  week  had  been  slain 
in  duels: 

"Oh,  thou  idol,  who  delightest  in  human  sacrifice  :  who  offerpst  up 
blood  as  sweet-smelling  incense!  when  will  thy  reign  ceaspy  Oh,  ye 
votarins  of  this  Moloch,  ye  abettors  of  murder  and  bloodshed  !  Remem- 
ber that  the  dav  will  assuredly  come  when  you  will  know  whether  you 
are  to  form  your  actions  by  the  laws  of  honor,  or  the  laws  of  God  I"' 

It  was  seldom  that  these  "  affairs  of  honor,''  as  they  were 
called,  were  bloodless.  The  combatants  usually  aimed  to 
kill,  the  distances  were  short,  generall}^  ten  paces,  the 
weapons  pistols,  carrying  balls  as  large  as  the  end  of  one's 
thumb.  There  were  no  amusing  comments  of  the  French 
•type  regarding  the  result.  I  find  only  one  chronicle  of  a 
humorous  nature,  ridiculous  because  the  challenge  did  not 
conform  to  the  rules  of  '•'  the  code."     I  copy  it  verbatim. 

"Sir.  You  will  plea?e  bring  your  gun  and  Tom  Brown  to  Mr.  Ja. 
Joneses  in  the  morning  to  give  me  consolation. 

NATHAN'L  MORRIS. 
To  Mr.  Wm.  Dillard.  Wake  county." 

I  have  searched  the  subsequent  columns  in  vain  in  order 
to  ascertain  whether  the  irate  Mr.  Morris  ever  got  his  "con- 
solation "  from  Mr.  Dillard  and  his  gun.  As  newspapers 
then,  as  now,  never  failed  to  chronicle  bloody  tragedies,  the 
probabilities  are  tliat  the  soil  of  Wake  county  was  not  fer- 
tilized by  the  gore  of  either  the  offender  or  his  disconsolate 
foe. 

MAILS  AND  TRAVELLERS. 

It  is  difficult  for  us  with  our  frequent  mails  and  rapid  and 
comfortable  travelling  to  realize  the  evils  suffered  by  our 
ancestors  for  want  of  postal  and  transportation  facilities. 
The  only  mail  and  passenger  coaches  from  the  North  via 
Raleigh,  in  the  early  years  of  the  century,  left  Petersburg 
on  Mondays,  Wednesdays  and  Fridays  at  3  a.  m.  They 
arrived  at  Warrenton  on  the  same  days  at  8  p.  m.,  seventeen 
hours  on  the  road.  The}^  left  Warrenton  at  3  o'clock 
next  morning,  and  were  expected  to  be  in  Raleigh  the  same 
day  at  6  p.m.,  covering  fifty-five  miles  in  fifteen  hours.  The 
travellers  and  mails  going  further  south  left  Raleigh  on  Mon- 
days, Wednesdays  and  Fridays  at  3  a.  m.,  and  were  to  be  in 
Fayetteville  on  the  same  days  at  5  p.  m.  They  proceeded  to 
Charleston  by  way  of  Georgetown  at  the  same  rate  of  speed. 
Besides  the  loss  of  time,  travellers  suffered  greatly  from  the 
constrained  position  of  the  body  in  the  coaches,  especially 


81 

when  crowded,  and  from  heat  in  summer  and  cold  in  win- 
ter. In  one  respect,  however,  the  old-time  citizens  had  the 
advantage  over  the  modern,  as  I  myself  can  recall.  This 
was  the  keen  pleasurable  excitement  experienced  at  the 
arrival  of  the  stage,  as  the  mail  coaches  were  called,  bring- 
ing news  from  friends  and  the  world  in  general  after 
two  days  suspense.  I  firmly  believe  that  no  music  is  ever 
so  sweet  to  the  people  of  to-day  as  were,  before  the  steam 
locomotive  came  into  our  city,  'the  distant  notes  of  the  old 
stage-horns,  sounding  wild  and  clear  in  the  eveningair  from 
the  Crabtree  hills.  And  no  man  is  ever  so  great  in  these 
days  as  were  the  drivers  who  blew  those  horns,  as  with 
thundering  trot  iheir  beautiful  horses  dashed  up  to  the  post- 
office.  The  news  from  Europe  came  in  with  corresponding 
slowness.  For  example,  the  Minerva  of  September  17,  1807, 
has  the  latest  from  Bos  on  September  2.  "  By  arrival  of 
ship  Sally,  in  forty-two  days  from  Liverpool,  we  have 
received  our  London  files  complete  to  the  17th  of  July." 
These  contained  the  first  news  of  the  Peace  of  Tilsit  between 
France  and  Prussia  made  on  June  22.  Two  thousand  gal- 
lant British  soldiers  were  shot  down  by  the  troops  of  General 
Jackson  at  the  battle  of  New  Orleans  on  the  8th  of  Januarv, 
1815,  fifteen  davs  after  the  declaration  of  peace.  And  the 
new^s  of  this  brilliant  victory  was  not  heard  in  Raleigh  until 
the  17th  of  February,  the  period  of  transmission  being  forty 
days. 

PRICES. 

We  are  accustomed  to  hear  of  the  superior  economical 
habits  of  our  grandsires.  I  do  not  dispute  altogether  this 
belief,  but  I  must  explain  that  there  w^ere  two  good  reasons  for 
their  being  so  virtuous.  One  is,  that  on  account  of  the  great 
expense  of  freights  owing  to  the  want  of  good  roads,  incomes 
in  cash  w^ere  smaller  than  in  our  day.  The  second  reason  is, 
that  for  like  cause,  and  al^o  for  lack  oif  labor-saving  machinery, 
prices  of  articles  raised  at  home  were  much  higher.  I  have 
the  mercantile  books  of  W.  &  J.  Peace  for  the  early  part  of 
the  century.  I  have  a  guilty  sensation,  like  that  of  an  eaves- 
dropper, in  seeing  what  the  belles  and  beaux  of  the  period 
were  accustomed  to  buy  ;  ribbons  and  combs  and  calicoes, 
silk  handkerchiefs,  teas  and  coffee?,  and,  shall  I  tell  on  them, 
brandy  and  rum.  I  mention  no  names,  but  to  make  you 
more  content  with  your  monthly  store  accounts,  I  state  that 
a  dozen  needles  cost  25  cents,  a  silk  handkerchief  (bandana) 
§1  25,  a  muslin  handkerchief  70  cents,  a  vard  of  broadcloth 


82 

$7,  a  pound  of  pepper  70  cents,  a  pair  of  cotton  hose  $1.40, 
one  dozen  pewter  plates  84.50,  a  pound  of  Hyson  tea  §2.50, 
a  yard  of  linen  70  cents,  a  pound  of  gunpowder,  $1,  a  pound 
of  shot  15  cents.  Nails  were  sold  b}''  number,  not  by  the 
pound,  e.  g.,  fifty  ten-penny  nails  15  cents.  Brandy  was 
cheaper,  $1  60  a  gallon,  but  the  loaf-sugar  for  sweetening  the 
julep  was  45  cents  a  pound. 

FOURTH  OF  JULY  CELEBRATIONS. 

It  is  inapossible  for  us  at  this  late  day  to  realize  the  inten- 
sity of  the  enthusiasm  which  our  fathers  and  grandfathers 
had  in  all  matters  relating  directly  or  indirectly  to  the  Revo- 
lutionary War.  It  was  beginning  to  die  out  when  I  was  a 
boy,  but  I  will  never  forget  the  grand  militia  musterings,  the 
gorgeous  uniforms  of  the  officers,  and  the  shrill  sound  of  (he 
drum  and  fife  in  the  warlike  tunes  of  "  Yankee  Doodle,"  and 
"Three  little  Pigs,  three  little  Pigs  and  a  Bob-tailed  Sow." 
When  old  soldiers  who  had  participated  in  the  struggle  and 
could  talk  about  its  victories  still  survived,  there  was  a  liv- 
ing, intense  interest,  which  manifested  itself  in  fondness  for 
processions  and  toast-drinkings  and  military  companies  and 
patriotic  shoutings,  w'hich  scaled  the  loftiest  clouds  and 
"made  the  welkin  ring." 

Now^here  was  this  spirit  greater  than  at  Raleigh.  Besides 
other  war-men,  we  had  a  distinguished  leader,  Colonel  Polk, 
w^ho  had  fought  throughout  the  Revolution,  and  bore  scars 
of  battle  upon  his  stalwart  body.  He  appeared  proud  and 
reserved  at  other  times,  but  at  anniversaries  of  our  independ- 
ence he  deemed  it  a  patriotic  duty  to  unbend  and  join  in 
and  promote  the  general  joy.  For  this  work  he  had  peculiar 
gifts  to  enable  him  to  shine  in  the  post  to  which  he  was  by 
universal  consent  always  assigned,  that  of  president,  or, 
if  the  Governor  was  present,  acting  vice-president  of  the 
festival. 

He  had  an  assistant  who  was  also  peculiarly  fitted  for  such 
occasions.  His  name  was  F.  H.  Reeder.  Reeder  was  a  tinner 
by  trade,  who  had  a  talent  for  writing  doggerel  and  a  voice  for 
singing.  He  was  a  private  in  the  army  that  fought  at  Bla- 
densburg,  and  felt  bound  to  obey  an  old  officer,  whether 
ordered  to  sing  a  song,  propose  a  toast,  drink  a  dram  as 
"  deep  as  the  Zuyder  Zee,"  or  shout  vociferous  hurrahs  until 
they  echoed  back  from  the  Crabtree  hills.  It  was  a  rare  treat 
to  see  once  a  year  this  patriotic  veteran,  with  about  half  a 
dozen  full  horns  under  his  jacket,  meandering  around  the 


83 

old  Colonel  who  served  under  Washington,  ordinarily  proud, 
but  "  hail-fellow-well-met"  to-day,  and  fondly  saying,  "Col- 
onel, you  are  such  a  clever  fellow  on  the  Fourth  of  July." 

I  must  read  you  one  of  Reeder's  odes.  At  this  late  day  I 
cannot  discover  whether  it  was  original  with  him,  or  what 
candidate  it  satirises: 

REEDER'S  ODE. 

The  election  times  are  drawing  nigh — 
Who  shall  we  send  to  the  Assembly,  sa}  I 

Each  'clined  to  Legislature  far, 
Would  fain  to  Raleigh  haste  away. 

Those  gentlemen  we've  sent  so  long, 

I  think  at  home  they  now  might  stay— 
This  is  the  burden  of  my  song: 

Let  every  puppy  have  his  day. 

Don't  for  the  sly  physician  vote, 
Though  he  may  for  your  interest  urge— 

He'll  cram  his  physic  down  your  throat, 
And  'stablish  by  the  law  his  charge. 

When  blistered,  glystered,  cupped  and  bled, 

He  11  drean  your  body  and  your  purse; 
And  when  you're  in  your  cofiin  laid, 

All  you  leave  is  his — of  course. 

The  lawyer,  he  should  not  go  there— - 

Lawyers  were  knaves  from  early  time; 
Their  quirks  and  quavers  we  should  dread, 

Nor  up  to  power  let  them  climb. 

And  if  by  chance  he  should  go  there, 

He'll  make  a  law  to  raii-e  his  fees, 
And  leave  you  neither  horse  nor  cow, 

Nor  hog  your  hominy  to  grease. 

The  farmer,  he  should  not  go  there, 

By  chance  his  noddle  it  would  pop; 
He'd  think  himself  a  gentleman, 

'Twould  raise  his  pride  and  spoil  his  crop. 

Then  what  would  such  a  noodle  do! 

Let  him  employ  his  clumsy  paws 
In  handling  of  his  hoes  and  ploughs. 

And  never  dream  of  making  laws. 

Well,  who  the  devil  shall  we  send! 

Let  me  alone  for  that  my  dears — 
A  friend  to  you  I'll  recommend. 

Who'll  guard  your  freedom  with  his  shears. 

Bow-legged  and  firmly  he  will  stand, 

Protecting  you  from  all  abuse. 
With  long  sharp  bodkin  in  one  hand, 

And  in  the  other  a  red-hot  goose. 


84 

T.be  celebration  of  the  4th  of  July,  1812,  was,  on  account 
of  the  pendency  of  the  war,  of  peculiar  interest,  and  I  must 
give  a  description  of  it. 

At  9  o'clock  there  was  an  oration  before  the  Polemic  Soci- 
ety by  a  brilliant  young:  orator,  who  afterwards  attained 
national  fame,  Willie  P.  Mangum,  of  Orange,  not  yet  twenty- 
one  years  of  age.  At  11  o'clock  there  was  a  parade  by  Cap- 
tain Henderson's  cavalry  and  Captain  Wiatt's  infantry,  lead- 
ing a  procession  to  Union  Square.  Then  Mr.  Thomas  G.  Hen- 
derson delivered  an  oration,  which  was  followed  by  hymns. 
The  declaration  of  war  and  proclamation  of  President  Madi- 
son were  read  by  Mr.  Henderson  Lucas,  co-editor  with  Hen- 
derson of  "  The  Star''  newspaper.  Rev.  James  Hall,  of 
Cabarrus,  a  Revolutionary  soldier,  offered  a  prayer.  A  din- 
ner was  subsequently  given  to  seventy  guests — Governor 
William  Hawkins  being  nominal  president,  but  Colonel 
Polk,  as  vice-president,  really  the  master  of  ceremonies.  I 
give  the  headings  of  the  toasts  that  you  may  see  what  our 
forefathers  were  thinking  about.  I  wish  I  had  time  to  give 
the  whole  of  each  as  there  is  much  literary  excellence  in 
some  of  them : 

1.  The  4th  of  July,  1776. 

2    The  Memory  of  George  Washington. 

3.  The  Officers  and  Soldiers  of  the  Revolutionary  Army. 

4.  The  Patriots  and  Statesmen  of  1776. 

5.  The  Convention  of  1787 

6.  The  People  of  the  United  States. 

7.  The  President  of  the  United  State. 

8.  The  Congress  and  the  Constituted  Authorities  of  the 
United  States. 

9.  The  Militia,  Army  and  ^^avy. 

10.  An  Honorable  and  Speedy  Termination  of  the  War 
wdiich  the  Injustices  and  Aggressions  of  Great  Britain  has 
Inaugurated. 

11.  Our  Rule  of  Conduct  towards  the  World — Enemies  in 
War;  Friends  in  Peace. 

12.  Our  Maritime  Citizens,  unjustly  deprived  of  their  Lib- 
erties. 

13.  Agriculture,  Commerce  and  Manufactures. 

14.  The  Constitution  of  the  United  States — Old  and  with- 
out needing  repairs. 

15.  The  American  Press. 

16.  Literature,  Art  and  Science,  the  Main  Pillars  of  the 
Temple  of  Liberty. 


85 

17.  The  University  of  North  Carolina  and  other  Literary 
Institutions. 

18.  The  American  Union. 

These  reguhir  toasts,  carefully  written  beforehand,  show- 
admirable  taste  in  pleasino;  both  Federalists  and  Republi- 
cans. At  other  places,  Wilmington  for  example,  the  feeling 
between  the  parties  was  so  strong  that  each  had  its  own  cele- 
bration. 

After  the  regular  toasts  the  following  volunteer  t  asts  were 
given : 

By  the  President  (Governor  Hawkins)  — 

The  Memories  of  Hancock  and  Adams. 

There  was  much  tact  shown  in  this  toast.  Hancock,  who 
died  in  1793,  was  extremely  popular,  and  having  offered 
amendments  to  the  Constitution  much  desired  by  the  Repub- 
licans, was  claimed  as  on  their  side.  The  recognition  of 
Adams  brought  howls  of  delight  from  the  Federalists. 

Colonel  Polk  then  offered — 

The  Memories  of  Franklin  and  Hamilton. 

The  compromising  tact  shown  in  this  toast  is  apparent. 
Franklin  was  claimed  by  all  parties,  and  Hamilton  was  the 
ablest  man  of  the  Federalist  party. 

The  President,  Vice-President  and  ex-Governors  Stone  and 
"Williams  then  retired  and  their  healths  were  drunk. 

This  was  evidently  a  very  formal  and  official  dinner,  with 
all  proprieties  suitable  to  the  presence  of  State  dignitaries. 
On  the  same  day  the  Raleigh  Volunteer  Guards  and  citizens, 
dressed  in  homespun,  as  a  protest  against  British  manufac- 
tures, had  their  dinner  at  Rex  Spring  in  the  northern  part 
of  the  city.  Captain  Wiatt  was  made  president  and  Allen 
Rogers,  vice-president.  "  A  plain  and  plentiful  dinner  was 
provided,  and  the  toasts  were  drunk  in  home-made  liquor," 
("old  corn").  After  each  toast  there  was  music  and  gener- 
ally three  to  nine  cheers.  The  dogs  of  war  were  let  loose. 
Xo  compromises  and  stiff  official  forms  here.  Besides  the 
usual  toasts  to  Washington,  "  The  Day  we  Celebrate,"  "  The 
Patriots  of  the  Revolution,"  etc.,  there  were  some  which  were 
offensive  to  most  Federalists.  For  example,  "  The  Congress 
of  the  United  States— May  its  floor  be  cleaned  of  Yelpers  and 
Trimmers!"  This  was  followed  by  three  cheers,  a  recitation, 
and  an  ode  by  A.  Davis.  Then  I  note  that  the  militia  had 
a  toast  all  to  itself,  followed  by  nine  cheers  and  two  tunes, 
"  Yankee  Doodle,"  the  national  tune,  and  one  called  "Colum- 
bia's Volunteers."     The  toast  to   the   Army  and   Navy  was 


86 

honored  by  only  three  cheers  and  one  tune,  "  The  American 
Star." 

There  was  a  toast  to  Thomas  Jefferson,  whose  name  was 
not  mentioned  in  the  official  banquet. 

Another  was  to  "Our  Republican  Brethren  of  Spanish 
America,''  followed  by  the  French  battle-song  "  Ca  Ira." 

Then  followed  one  to  Canada — "  May  her  Star  soon  Shine 
in  the  Flag  of  the  Union. V     This  was  followed  by  a  song, 

"March!  march!  march!  in  good  order. 
Until  we  arrive  at  the  English  border.' 

The  following  has  a  faint  odor  of  tar  and  a  soft  suggestion 
of  feathers:  "The  Liberty  of  the  Press — May  those  who 
abuse  it,  to  serve  the  Enemies  of  our  Country,  be  treated  to  a 
suit  of  American  Manufacture !" 

Great  Britain  and  her  sympathizers  (if  any)  must  have 
shuddered  at  the  next:  "Great  Britain — May  the  thunder 
of  our  cannon  check  her  arrogance,  and  contempt  silence 
her  advocates  !"  The  music  to  this  was,  "  Let's  Sound  the 
Trumpet  of  War." 

After  this  explosion  of  wrath,  the  company  "  tapered  off" 
with  compliments  to  "Domestic  Manufactures,"  and  "The 
American  Fair,"  meanin  •,  of  course,  the  ladies. 

The  patriotic  Raleigh  Volunteer  Guards  marched  to  Beau- 
fort, but  never  met  the  enemy.  There  was  a  drafting  of  the 
militia  of  Wake  for  the  defence  of  Norfolk.  It  was  con- 
ducted on  Union  Squar<^  n  rth  of  the  Capitol,  the  Governor 
and  Secretary  of  State  seeing  that  there  was  fair  play. 
There  were  two  wheels  of  the  size  of  cheese  boxes.  The 
names  of  the  militiamen  were  placed  in  one  wheel ;  the  due 
proportion  of  blanks  and  papers  with  the  word  "  drafted '•* 
in  the  other.  A  boy  drew  a  name  from  the  first  box  and  a 
paper  from  the  second.  When  the  fatal  "  drafted  "  appeared, 
often  the  females  of  the  family  of  the  unfortunate  set  up 
loud  lamentations.  A  man  named  Hardy  Dodd,  willing  to 
go  as  a  substitute,  took  chances  for  from  Slo  to  §25  each. 
His  luck  was  such  that  he  drew  fifteen  blanks,  but  was 
caught  on  the  sixteenth.  Poor  fellow  !  All  the  glory  gained 
was  death  in  camp  from  fever.  Most  of  these  soldiers  left 
their  bones  on  Virginia  soil. 

The  leader  of  the  Raleigh  Volunteers,  Captain  W.  T.  C. 
Wiatt,  afterwards  Colonel  Wiatt,  was  a  remarkable  man,, 
and  if  he  had  had  opportunity  would  have  become  eminent 
as  a  partisan  officer.  He  had  nerves  of  steel.  When  Sheriff 
of  Wake  his  name   became  famous  throughout  the  State 


87 

because  of  his  killing  a  prisoner  named  Wolfe.  Wolfe  was 
a  man  of  great  ph3^sical  strengtl).  He  came  to  Raleigh  as  a 
recruiting  officer,  married  and  settled  here.  He  adopted 
gambling  as  a  business,  was  arrested  under  the  vagrant'act, 
and  committed  to  Wiatt's  custody.  Wiatt  ordered  the 
jailer.  Miller,  to  change  his  quarters  to  the  dungeon,  as  he 
was  fearful  of  an  escape.  Wolfe  knocked  Miller  down,  and 
was  rushing  for  the  door  when  Wiatt  shot  and  killed  him. 
His  action  was  decided  to  be  justifiable.  In  1841  the 
Supreme  Court  of  the  State  made  tiim  its  Marshal,  in  which 
capacity  he  acted  until  his  death.  Old-time  travellers  remem- 
ber the  cool  water  of  his  well  four  miles  west  of  town  on  the 
road  to  Chapel  Hill  and  Hillsboro.  The  drivers  of  the 
public  stages  always  watered  their  horses  at  Wiatt's  well. 

LAFAYETTE'S  VISIT. 

The  enthusiasm  in  regard  to  the  Revolutionary  War 
received  a  great  impetus  by  the  visit  of  LaFayette  in  1825. 
Colonel  William  Polk,  by  the  request  of  the  Governor,  met 
him  at  the  Virginia  line  and  escorted  him  throughout  the 
State  to  the  South  Carolina  boundary.  Near  Raleigh  he 
vTas  met  by  Colonel  Thomas  Polk  of  Mecklenburg  in  com- 
mand of  a  corps  of  cavalry,  followed  by  nearly  one  hun- 
dred citizens  on  horseback.  The  General  and  suite,  which 
included  his  son,  Washington  LaFayette,  and  his  Secretary, 
M.  Le  Vasseur,  alighted  from  their  carriages  and  a  general 
introduction  took  place.  At  the  city  limits  they  were  met 
by  a  company  of  infantry  under  command  of  Captain  John 
S.  Ruffin.  The  cavalcade  proceeded  to  the  Capitol  amid 
firing  of  cannon  and  huzzas  of  the  assembled  people.  Col- 
onel Polk  and  the  General  rode  together  in  a  barouche 
drawn  by  four  iron-grays.  The  Governor  received  him  in 
the  vestibule,  escorted  him  to  the  reception  chamber,  where 
he  was  welcomed  in  a  formal  address  by  the  Governor 
(Burton),  to  which  he  made  a  suitable  reply.  At  the  con- 
clusion the  company  was  gratified  with  a  spectacular  scene. 
LaFayette  and  Polk,  both  of  whom  were  wounded  at  Bran- 
dy wine,  rushed  into  each  other's  arms,  and  with  tears  of  joy 
avowed  ''  their  gratitude  that  they  who  had  borne  the  brunt 
of  the  battle  together  in  their  youthful  prime,  had  been 
spared  to  meet  again  on  peaceful  plains  and  in  happier 
hours."  Then  an  old  soldier  named  Cross,  who  also  had 
been  wounded  at  Brandy  wine,  was  brought  up  and  exhibited 
his  venerable  scars. 


88 

LaFayette  spent  from  Tuesday  until  Thursday  in  Raleigh, 
abundantly  feted  and  very  gracious.  Tradition  hath  it  that 
he  had  a  voracious  appetite.  Mr.  James  D.  Royster  informed 
me  that,  in  common  with  hundreds  of  others,  he  had  the 
honor  of  shaking  his  hand.  Hi^  invariable  salutation  was, 
''How  do  you  do,  my  son?  How  do  you  do?"  When 
old  soldiers  were  accorded  a  more  leisurel}'  introduction,  he 
invariably  asked  the  question,  "Are  you  married?"  If  the 
reply  was  "  Yes,  sir;"  he  w^ould  sa}^,  with  unction,  "  Happy 
man;  happy  man  I"  If  the  repl\^  was  "  No,  sir;"  he  would 
reply,  "  Lucky  dog!  lucky  dogi"  An  immigrant  fiom  France, 
naively  thinking  that  his  countryman  would,  as  a  matter  of 
course,  be  interested  in  his  family  affairs,  informed  him  of 
the  recent  death  of  his  wife.  He  received  the  urechanical 
reply,  "  Happy  man;  happy  man  !" 

OLD  NEWSPAPERS. 

But  I  must  close  these  random  sketches.  It  is  so  delight- 
ful for  me  to  take  these  old  people  by  the  hand  and  talk 
with  them,  and  look  at  the  world  through  their  eyes,  that  I 
never  know  when  to  stop.  I  had  written  a  three-hour  speech 
before  I  had  noticed  it,  from  half  of  which  I  have  spared 
you  to-night.  I  like,  too,  to  look  over  the  old  newspapers 
and  notice  what  items  were  enjoyed  in  the  old  days.  Some 
of  them  w^re  very  grave  and  some  very  amusing.  I  am 
struck  with  frequent  satires  on  the  ladies,  showing  that  these 
interesting  creatures  filled  then,  as  now%  a  large  portion  of 
the  public  mind.  Before  concluding,  I  quote  several  of  them. 
The  first  is  from  The  Wasp,  a  newspaper  of  small  dimensions, 
printed  in  the  Gales  office  and  edited  by  two  boys,  who  after- 
wards attained  great  distinction.  Joseph  Gales,  of  the 
National  Intelligencer,  and  Edward  J.  Hale,  of  the  Fageiteville 
Observer. 

EPITAPH. 

Beneath  this  stone,  a  heap  of  clay, 
Lies  Arabella  Young, 

Who,  on  the  twenty-fourth  of  May, 
Began  to  hold  her  tongue. 

The  next  is  from  Mr.  Boylan's  newspaper: 

RECEIPT  TO  CURE  A  LOVE -FIT. 
Tie  one  end  of  a  rope  fast  over  a  beam, 
And  make  a  slip  knot  at  the  other  extreme; 
Then  just  underneath  let  the  cricket  be  set, 
On  which  let  the  lover  most  manfully  get. 
Then  over  his  head  let  the  snicket  be  got, 
And  under  one  ear  be  well  settled  the  knot; 
The  cricket  kicked  down,  let  him  take  a  fair  swing, 
And  leave  all  the  rest  to  the  work  of  the  string. 


89 
Another  : 

TO  MATTHKW  BRAMBLE,   ESQ. 

In  the  blithe  days  of  honeymoon, 

With  Kate's  allurements  smitten, 
I  loved  her  late,  1  loved  her  soon, 

And  culled  her  dearest  kitten. 
But  now  ujy  kitten's  ^rovvn  a  cat, 

And  cross,  like  other  wives. 
Oh!  by  my  soul,  my  honest  Mat, 

I  fear  she  has  nine  lives. 

The  kindred  joke  about  ilie  husband  saying  that  when  be 
was  first  married  he  loved  his  bride  enough  to  bite  her,  but 
that  he  had  not  been  married  six  months  before  he  bitterly 
repented  not  having  bodily  devoured  her,  came  in  later. 

I  notice  two  anecdotes,  new  to  me,  about  ninety  years  old. 
They  are  fair  specimens  of  what  struck  the  risible  nerves  of 
our  forefathers.  The  first  is  on  a  newly  imported  Dutchman, 
having  learned  that  a  spirit  is  a  ghost,  angrily  inquiring  of 
the  bar-tender,  "  What  for  de  tivel  don't  you  put  plenty  of 
ghost  in  my  water  ?  " 

The  other  is,  of  course,  on  an  Irishman,  an  editor,  who,  on 
giving  the  news  that  wool  was  rising  in  price,  but  whiskey 
was  falling,  offered  the  consolation  to  his  readers,  that  if 
their  coats  will  be  more  costly,  the  lining  will  be  cheaper. 

RAILROADS. 

But  really,  I  must  come  to  a  conclusion. 

For  years  Raleigh  dragged  its  slow  length  along,  a  mere 
country  village,  because  it  had  no  advantages  of  water- 
power  or  of  access  to  markets.  About  1820  it  tried  in  vain 
to  make  Neuse  river  and  Crabtree  navigable,  and  there  were 
wild  dreams  of  having  a  harbor  on  Rocky  branch. 

In  fifty  years,  by  the  census  of  1840,  it  had  only  2,244 
inhabitants.  Its  boast  of  good  health  was  proved  to  be  just, 
by  there  being  ten  between  seventy  and  eighty,  two  between 
eighty  and  ninety,  one  between  ninety  and  one  hundred,  and 
two  over  one  hundred.  Some  of  the  best  people  of  the  State 
had  made  their  homes  among  us,  but  their  pecuniary  inter- 
ests mostly  lay  elsewhere,  Raleigh  could  only  be  called  a. 
half-dead  town,  "  looking  up  all  the  time,  because  flat  of  its 
back  it  could  not  look  anywhere  else";  eminently  respecta- 
ble, but  in  progressiveness,  comatose. 

But  in  that  same  1840  there  were  signs  of  the  breaking  up 
of  this  lethargy.  Not  only  was  the  great  Tippecanoe,  log 
6 


90 

cabin  and  hard  cider  celebration  in  October,  when  real 
ships,  sails  set,  with  sailors  on  the  spars,  and  real  log  cabins 
and  hard  cider,  and  real  hornet's  nests,  and  live  Revolution- 
ary soldiers,  along  w4th  other  appropriate  components  of  an 
immense  procession,  moved  through  our  streets  and  thou- 
sands shouted  themselves  hoarse  for  political  objects,  but 
there  were  the  "  three  days  in  June  "  in  honor  of  the  com- 
pletion of  the  Capitol  and  of  the  steaming  in  of  the  old 
"  Tornado "  locomotive  engine  on  the  Raleigh  and  Gaston 
Railroad. 

Rightly  did  our  people  become  enthusiastic  over  this  mo- 
mentous occasion.  Rightly  did  old  General  Beverly  Daniel 
mount  his  fiery  steed  and  march  the  procession  from  the 
court-bouse  to  the  depot,  where  five  tables,  each  ninety  feet 
long,  upheld  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  "  scorched  pig," 
whose  sweet  savor  ascended  to  the  skies.  There  were  thir- 
teen regular  and  seventy-six  volunteer  toasts,  each  accompa- 
nied, in  all  cases  with  the  show,  in  most  with  the  reality,  of 
potations  of  wine  or  whiskey.  Weston  R.  Gales  was  toast- 
master.  Governor  Dudley  was  president,  assisted  by  ten  vice- 
presidents,  among  them  the  venerable  Judge  Gaston.  Here 
is  that  to  the  Raleigh  and  Gaston  Railroad  : 

"Its  structure  will  accelerate  with  the  velocity  of  a  Tor- 
nado the  train  of  public  opinion  in  its  favor." 

And  at  the  close,  when  eighty-nine  sips  of  the  spirituous 
beverage  were  safely  (or  unsafely)  stowed  away,  you  will  not 
criticise  harshly  the  closing  toast  given  by  the  presiding 
officer. 

"THE  CITY  OF  RALEIGH! 

It  has  exceeded  in  gallantry  even  its  renowned  namesake, 
Sir  Walter.  He  but  laid  down  his  cloak  for  one  lady  to  walk 
over.  Its  citizens  have  helped  to  lay  down  eighty-six  miles 
of  railroad  for  the  whole  sex  to  ride  over!" 

Well  did  our  citizens  celebrate  the  advent  of  the  railroads. 
They  have  supplied  what  we  lacked.  They  were  at  first 
built  on  mistaken  ideas  and  seemed  to  fail.  But  these  mis- 
takes have  beeu  corrected.  They  have  given  us  access  to  the 
world.  The  great  war  came.  Our  citizens  supported  the 
Southern  cause  with  distinguished  gallantr3\  They  had 
their  share  of  its  terrible  losses.  They  lost  sons  and  they 
lost  fortunes.  But  Raleigh  became  know^n  to  the  world. 
The  armies  of  both  sides  tramped  through  it.  Our  army 
was  a  means  of  education  not  only  to  our  own  citizens,  but 
to  those  of  the  adjoining  country.     Our  soldiers  came  back 


91 

with  new  ideas,  gained  by  tramps  through  Virginia  and 
through  Pennsylvania,  aye  and  through  Maryland  too. 
When  the  war  ended,  Raleigh  began  to  go  forward  with  a 
bound. 

Later  our  citizens  learned  the  power  of  organized  effort. 
They  formed  in  time  a  Chamber  of  Commerce  and  Industry, 
a  Cotton  Exchange,  a  Tobacco  Exchange,  a  Merchants'  Ex- 
change. When  we  contemplate  a  part  only  of  the  improve- 
ments we  seem  to  be  in  a  new  country.  I  give  such  as  occur 
to  me.     I  am  satisfied  that  there  are  more  than  these: 

1.  Street-car  lines. 

2.  Water- works  and  sewerage. 

3.  Electric  lights. 

4.  Extension  of  gas-works. 

5.  An  excellent  fire  department. 

6.  Electric  fire-alarm. 

7.  Telephone  system. 

8.  Graded  schools — 1,900  pupils  and  commodious  build- 
ings. 

9.  Old  churches  enlarged  and  new  churches  built.  I  am 
told  that  there  are  now  thirty  church  buildings  in  the  city. 

10.  Private  schools,  excellent  and  prospering ;  the  male 
school  up  to  the  reputation  of  the  old  Academy  under 
McPheeters,  and  St.  Mary's  and  Peace  Institute  celebrated 
throughout  the  land. 

11.  A  beautiful  new  public  park,  the  gift  of  a  Raleigh  man. 
Also  a  private  park. 

12.  Two  new  cemeteries  of  ample  extent  and  beautifully 
adorned. 

13.  Hotels,  new  and  enlarged,  and  with 'modern  conveni- 
ences. 

14.  A  well  arranged  new  union  depot. 

15.  An  opera-house  in  progress 

16.  Many  large  blocks  of  new  buildings  for  stores  and 
offices. 

17.  A  new  city  hall. 

18.  A  good  cotton  trade. 

19.  Three  cotton  factories. 

20.  Tobacco  warehouses  and  factories. 
21    Wholesale  hardware  establishments. 

22.  Wholesale  groceries. 

23.  Car-works  and  wood  factories. 

24.  Wholesale  dry  goods  trade. 

25.  Four  strong  banks,  including  a  savings  bank. 


92 

26.  A  Home  lusarance  Company,  and  many  branch 
insurance  companies. 

27.  Extensive  machine  and  car-shops  of  the  Raleigh  and 
Gaston  and  Raleigh  and  Augusta  xlir-Line,  and  new  engine- 
house. 

28.  The  State  Agricultural  and  Mechanical  College,  which 
is  proving  so  successful  and  beneficial  to  the  State. 

29.  Vineyards  and  their  products. 

30.  Farms  of  improved  cattle  and  blooded  horses. 

31.  Spacious  new  Fair  Grounds. 

32.  The  Agricultural  Department  and  Building. 

33.  Agricultural  Experiment  Station. 

34.  Larger  livery- stables. 

35.  Hospitals  for  white  and  colored. 

36.  Supreme  Court  Room  and  Library. 

37.  Large  institutes  of  learning  lor  the  colored,  patronized 
by  the  whole  South — Shaw  University  and  St.  Augustine 
Collegiate  Institute. 

38.  A  Deaf  and  Dumb  Asylum  for  the  colored. 

39.  A  handsome  Federal  Court-house  and  Post-office. 

40.  A  new  and  improved  County  Court-house. 

41.  The  i]ew  Governor's  Mansion. 

42.  The  Soldiers'  Home. 

43.  Cotton- seed  oil  mills. 

44.  The  State  Penitentiary. 

45.  Ice  factories. 

46.  A  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  Building. 

47.  The  principal  streets  graded  and  paved. 

48.  The  township  roads  being  graded  and   macadamized. 

49.  Many  sidewalks  properly  paved. 

50.  Carriage  and  wagon  factories. 

51.  Candy  factories. 

52.  Acid  and  fertilizer  works. 

58.  Telegraph  facilities  largely  increased. 

54.  Streets  extended  in  many  directions. 

55.  Cornfields  and  old  fields  in  the  suburbs  turned  into 
building  lots. 

56.  Numerous  private  buildings,  some  of  them  costly  and 
handsome. 

57.  Three  daily  newspapers  and  eleven  weekly. 

58.  Large  printing-houses. 

59.  Cotton  compress. 

60.  Cotton  yards. 

61.  Population  nearly  eight  times  what  it  was  forty  years 
ago. 


93 

This  is  a  most  laudable  showing  of  enterprise  and  intelli- 
gence. I  close  with  the  profound  wish — I  will  be  bolder,  I 
will  say  the  prediction,  that  when,  one  hundred  years  from 
this  date,  in  the  year  1992,  some  gray-haired  speaker  stands 
up  before  your  great-grandchildren  and  the  scores  of  thou- 
sands of  added  population  who  will  make  their  homes  on 
these  hills,  he  will  truthfully  chronicle  your  labors  towards 
making  this  one  of  the  greatest  inland  cities  of  the  South. 


Note — Since  the  printing  of  the  foregoing  Address,  Rev. 
Dr.  J.  B.  Cheshire,  of  Charlotte,  has  furnished  me  with 
extracts  from  the  Journal  of  the  Convention  of  1788,  of 
which  he  has  a  copy,  in  regard  to  locating  the  seat  of  gov- 
ernment. The  places  voted  for  as  centres  of  the  circle  of 
twenty  miles  diameter,  within  which  the  location  should  be 
made,  are  as  follows  : 

Smithfield,  nominated  by  James  Payne. 

Tarborough,  nominated  by  Robert  Williams. 

Fayette-MUe,  nominated  by  William  Barry  Grove. 

Isaac  Hunters  plantation,  nominated  by  James  Iredell. 

Newbern,  nominated  by  Judge  Samuel  Spencer. 

Hillsborough,  nominated  by  Alexander  Mebane. 

Fork  of  Haw  and  Deep  rivers,  nominated  by  Thomas 
Person. 

Isaac  Hunter's  plantation  obtained  a  majority  of  votes  on 
the  second  ballot. 

James  Iredell,  soon  to  be  a  Judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  of 
the  United  States,  offered  the  ordinance  requiring  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  to  establish  the  Seat  of  Government  within 
the  Wake  County  circle. 

Willie  Jones  offered  the  resolution  for  selecting  by  ballot 
the  circle  of  location. 

William  Barry  Grove,  of  Fayetteville  (then  written  Fay- 
ette-Ville),  presented  a  protest  against  the  action  of  the 
Convention,  signed  by  over  one  hundred  members. 


A  GLANCE  AT  RALEIGH  TO-DAY. 

(Prepared  by  Especial,  Request  of  the  Committee 
OF  Publication.) 


The  city  of  Raleigh,  in  all  essential  respects,  extends 
beyond  the  corporate  limits,  in  every  direction,  with  a  steady 
growth  that  never  halts,  summer  or  winter.  Whatever  may 
be  the  source  of  her  prosperity,  whether  her  market  for  cot- 
ton or  tobacco,  her  general  mercantile  advantages,  her  new 
manufacturing  interests,  her  educational  and  social  induce- 
ments, or  her  relations  to  the  State  and  Federal  governments, 
the  continued  advancement  year  by  year  is  plain  to  all 
observers.  It  proceeds  from  no  artificial  efforts,  no  wide- 
spread advertising.  From  the  close  of  the  war  Raleigh 
began  to  assume  an  importance  beyond  its  ante-bellum  position 
as  the  refined  and  cultivated  seat  of  the  State  government, 
retired  within  the  shades  of  its  primeval  oaks. 

The  extension  of  its  railroad  connections  through  the  heart 
of  Western  North  Carolina,  by  Col.  A.  B.  Andrews,  until  they 
met  the  lines  of  the  West  and  South ;  the  building  of  the 
Raleigh  and  Augusta  Air-Line  to  Hamlet,  with  its  after-con- 
nections, through  the  labors  of  Maj.  John  C.  Winder,  to  Char- 
lotte, Cheraw,  etc.,  and  the  superb  new  road,  the  Georgia  and 
Carolina,  under  the  presidenc}^  of  Raleigh's  gifted  citizen, 
Gen.  R.  F.  Hoke,  giving  a  through  line  by  the  Seaboard 
system  to  Atlanta,  have  done  no  little  for  the  progress  of  the 
city.  With  these  are  associated  the  extensive  shops  of  the 
Seaboard  system,  and  the  North  Carolina  Car  Factory,  afford- 
ing employment  to  many  worthy  citizens. 

The  renewal  of  the  Annual  State  Fairs  held  b}"  the  North 
Carolina  Agricultural  Society  proved  to  be  one  of  the  most 
valuable  elements  of  growth.  In  1869  this  organization, 
dating  back  to  1852,  was  revived,  with  Hon.  K.  P.  Battle  as 
President  and  James  Litchford  Secretary.  In  1873,  under 
the  Presidency  of  Col.  Thos.  M.  Holt,  the  site  of  the  Fair  was 
purchased,  on  lands  northwest  of  the  city,  beyond  St.  Mary's, 
and  railroad  connections  made.  From  1876  to  1880,  inclu- 
sive, Capt.  C.  B.  Denson  was  Secretary  and  Executive  Man- 
ager, holding  five  fairs,  a  greater  number  than  by  any  other  in 
its  history:  814,000  of  its  debt  was  paid;  much  machinery 
and  many  fine  specimens  of  live  stock  were  introduced.    By 


95 

its  direct  efforts  upon  the  General  Assembly,  the  Society 
brought  about  the  organization  of  the  State  Agricultural 
Department,  which  has  been  a  great  factor  in  the  develop- 
ment of  the  State  and  the  city.  At  present  Hon.  Richard 
H.  Battle  is  President  and  H.  W.  Ayer,  Esq.,  Secretary.  The 
Fair  of  1892  was  held  concurrently  with  the  Centennial  Cele- 
bration and  contributed  much  to  its  success. 

In  1884  the  Fair  was  merged  temporarily  into  the  North 
Carolina  State  Exposition,  for  which  buildings  were  erected 
on  a  scale  heretofore  unknown  in  our  State,  and  a  display  of 
the  economic  advantages  of  North  Carolina  was  made  for 
months,  which  attracted  visitors  from  every  section  of  the 
Union,  and  w^as  of  incalculable  benefit  to  our  people.  To 
Wm.  S.  Primrose,  President,  whose  judicious  management 
and  comprehensive  far-sighted  plans  were  admirably  sec- 
onded by  the  executive  ability  of  the  Secretary,  H.  W. 
Fries  (of  Salem),  the  credit  is  due  for  the  success  which 
revealed  to  the  world  the  gifts  and  wonders  within  North 
Carolina's  control,  and  the  beauty  and  desirability  of  her 
Capital  as  a  home. 

To  these  must  be  added  her  progressive  city  government, 
the  efforts  of  her  Chamber  of  Commerce,  the  Interstate  Ex- 
position of  1891,  under  J.  T.  Patrick,  and  the  memorable 
visit  in  October  of  that  year  of  the  famous  Fifth  Maryland 
Regiment.  Illuminations,  fireworks,  a  banquet  to  the  offi- 
cers at  the  Yar borough,  a  grand  ball  to  the  entire  regiment, 
nearly  one  thousand  strong,  at  the  Stronach  auditorium,  and 
openhanded  hospitality  by  the  citizens,  were  the  features  of 
the  occasion,  which  formed  a  fitting  prologue,  one  year  in 
advance,  to  the  Centennial  Celebration. 

SITUATION. 

Raleigh  is  delightfully  situated  at  the  meeting  of  the  lim- 
its of  the  oak  and  the  pine,  the  sand  and  the  clay,  upon  a 
granite  foundation  which  crops  out  in  quarries  to  the  south- 
east and  southwest.  The  land  slopes  gently  in  every  direc- 
tion from  the  swelling  hills  upon  which  our  State  and  city 
institutions  and  our  homes  are  built.  This  affords  a  natural 
drainage,  and  the  delightful  streams  near  us,  of  Rocky  branch, 
Walnut  and  Crabtree  creeks  and  Neuse  river,  have  made  the 
problem  easy  of  solution  to  furnish  an  ample  supply  of  pure 
water  for  all  purposes  and  an  admirable  system  of  sewerage, 
which  were  constructed  during  the  mayoralty  of  Hon.  Alfred 
A.  Thompson.     Oar  climate  enjoys  the  almost  ideal  meteor- 


06 

ological  average  of  58°  4',  and  the  health  of  the  city  is  so 
remarkable  that  it  was  selected  by  the  authorities  of  the  Con- 
federate States  as  the  site  of  one  of  the  most  extensive  mili- 
tary hospitals  and  surgical  camps  under  that  government, 
superintended  as  Medical  Director  by  our  eminent  fellow- 
citizen,  Dr.  E.  Burke  Haywood. 

The  number  of  Northern  visitors  who  prefer  our  delight- 
ful winter  climate  to  the  damper  and  more  enervating  effects 
of  the  extreme  South  is  rapidly  increasing,  and  will  doubt- 
less call  for  increased  hotel  accommodations  to  meet  their 
demands. 

A  marked  feature  which  has  contributed  no  little  to  the 
high  salubrity  of  the  city  is  the  fact  that  beside  the  broad 
streets,  fifty  in  number,  and  extending  sixty-five  miles,  our 
houses  are  so  built  as  to  give  ample  room,  and  surrounded 
with  airy  spaces  affording  perfect  circulation  of  the  atmos- 
phere. Such  leading  thoroughfares  as  Fayetteville,  Wil- 
mington, Halifax,  and  the  busier  portions  of  Morgan,  Har- 
gett  and  Martin  streets,  have  been  paved  with  Belgian  block 
and  well  curbed  with  granite.  This  work  is  progressing 
steadily,  taking  in  order  the  portions  of  the  city  most  used. 
A  well-equipped  and  admirably  managed  Electric  Car  Com- 
pany renders  access  to  the  remoter  sections  easy  and  pleasant. 

The  cit}'  is  advancing  in  every  direction,  and  especially 
toward  the  north  and  west.  Sixt}^  buildings  were  reported 
as  going  up  during  the  Centennial  week.  The  total  number 
has  more  than  doubled  within  twent}^  years  past.  Many  of 
these  are  far  more  commodious  and  ornate  than  hitherto. 
Suburbs  in  the  east,  known  as  "Idlewild,"  and  in  the  north 
as  "  Oakdale,"  have  been  prepared  for  homes  by  grading  and 
laying  out  streets,  and  are  gradually  being  occupied.  Near 
the  site  of  the  great  cotton  factories,  villages  are  now  going 
up  for  the  homes  of  the  operatives,  which  must  in  a  short 
time  be  fully  united  with  the  city  and  extend  its  limits  over 
miles  of  adjacent  territory. 

PARKS. 

Union  Square,  about  six  acres  in  extent,  in  which  the 
Capitol  is  located,  is  planted  with  trees  and  shrubbery,  and, 
together  with  Xash  and  Moore  Squares,  which  within  a  few 
3^ears  past  have  been  adorned  with  grass  and  flowers  and 
fountains,  supplies  a  resting  place  for  the  weary. 

But  through  the  munificence  of  J.  Stanhope  Pullen,  Esq., 
an  extensive  park  in  the  west  and  southwest,  adjoining  the 


lands  of  the  North  Carolina  Agricultural  and  Mechanical 
College,  has  been  presented  to  the  city.  Its  natural  beauties 
are  enhanced  already  by  the  efforts  of  art  and  the  the  gen- 
erosity of  the  giver,  who  also  donated  the  land  upon  which 
the  college  stands.  History  will  preserve  his  name  high  on 
the  roll  of  our  benefactors. 

Brookside  Park,  in  the  northeast,  is  another  spot  of  great 
natural  beauty,  enjoying  its  trees  of  the  original  growth  and 
the  beauties  of  a  winding  stream. 

Near  by  is  Oakwood  Cemetery,  laid  out  some  twenty-five 
years  ago,  through  the  foresight  of  Hon.  K.  P.  Battle,  the 
lamented  Geo.  W.  Mordecai  and  others.  The  remains  of 
many  distinguished  dead  were  removed  to  this  spot  from  the 
old  City  Cemetery.  Few  resting-places  of  the  dead  can 
exceed  the  tranquil  loveliness  of  Oakwood,  where  many  of 
North  Carolina's  great  and  gifted  lie. 

The  Hebrew  and  the  Confederate  Cemeteries  adjoin  the 
above,  and  that  of  the  Roman  Catholic  is  on  the  brow  of  a 
neighboring  hill.  The  old  City  Cemetery,  just  on  the  edge 
of  the  corporate  limits,  is  still  used  to  some  extent.  Famous 
names  are  to  be  found  on  its  gravestones.  It  is  a  curious 
fact  that  the  southern  portion  of  it  was  formerly  set  apart  for 
the  burial  of  negroes — the  slaves  of  tho:e  interred  within  the 
same  enclosure. 

The  colored  portion  of  the  community  is  now  provided 
with  a  well  arranged  and  admirably  situated  cemetery  on 
the  south  of  the  city,  under  the  name  of  Mt.  Hope,  and  main- 
tained by  the  municipal  authorities. 

There  is  also  a  National  Cemetery,  kept  in  beautiful  order 
by  the  Federal  government,  holding  the  remains  of  many 
United  States  soldiers  who  fell  in  the  engagements  along 
Sherman's  march  to  the  southeast  of  Raleigh  or  died  in  hos- 
pital here. 

Congress  is  expected  to  act  favorably  upon  a  bill  to  provide 
a  macadamized  road  from  the  cemetery  to  the  city  line. 

Largely  through  the  efforts  of  Dr.  R.  H.  Lewis  the  roads 
debouching  from  our  streets  have  been  gradually  macad- 
amized to  the  township  line,  furnishing  an  object-lesson  to 
other  communities  upon  one  of  the  greatest  needs  of  Ameri- 
can civilization. 

PUBLIC    BUILDINGS. 

Besides  the  Capitol  there  are  many  public  buildings  which 
there  is  no  space  to  adequately  describe.     The  North  Caro- 


9S 

lina  Insane  Asylum,  completed  in  1856,  is  730  feet  in  length, 
and  accommodates  about  300  patients.  It  is  situated  on  Dix 
Hill.  An  addition  is  about  to  be  erected  on  the  south  side 
for  100  female  patients. 

The  North  Carolina  Institution  for  the  Deaf  and  Dumb 
and  the  Blind  was  established  in  1846.  It  occupies  Caswell 
Square,  and  after  September,  1894,  isi;o  be  used  tor  the  blind 
only,  a  new  structure  for  the  deaf  and  dumb  having  been 
erected  at  Morganton. 

The  colored  department  of  this  Institution  is  fitted  in  every 
respect  for  this  important  service,  and  is  provided  with  sub- 
stantial brick  buildings  in  the  southeastern  section  of  the  city. 

The  State  Penitentiary  is  an  enormous  building  constructed 
of  brick,  with  granite  enclosing  wall,  and  was  about  twenty 
years  in  building.  There  are  about  1,300  convicts,  but  only 
those  convicted  of  high  crimes  are  kept  within  the  building 
here.     It  is  a  model  edifice  of  the  kind. 

The  Agricultural  Department,  at  the  corner  of  Edenton 
and  Halifax  streets,  contains  the  necessary  offices,  the  State 
Geological  Museum,  which  also  is  a  museum  of  the  forestry, 
mines,  fisheries,  agriculture,  etc.,  of  the  State,  the  Weather 
Bureau,  the  Railroad  Commission,  the  ofiice  of  Labor  Statis- 
tics, and  the  rooms  of  the  Agricultural  Experiment  Station. 

The  Supreme  Court  and  State  Library  is  situated  next  to 
the  Agricultural  Building,  and  fronts  Capitol  Square.  Its 
exterior  is  plain,  but  it  is  admirably  fitted  within.  It  con- 
tains the  Supreme  Court  room,  adorned  with  portraits  of  the 
eminent  jurists  of  North  Carolina,  the  Attorney  General's 
office,  the  Supreme  Court  Library,  office  of  the  Superinten- 
dent of  Public  Instruction,  and  the  State  Library.  The  last 
has  45,000  volumes  and  many  portraits  of  citizens  eminent 
in  every  walk  of  life,  and  especially  of  North  Carolinians 
prominent  in  the  war  between  the  States. 

The  Governors  Mansion  is  built  of  brick  and  occupies  the 
center  of  Burke  Square,  and  is  worthy  of  the  people  whose 
Chief  Executive  makes  it  his  home.  Its  hall  is  adorned  with 
portraits  of  the  Governors.  The  beautiful  marble  from  the 
Nantahala  of  Macon  county  is  used  m  the  construction  of 
portions  of  the  building. 

The  North  Carolina  College  of  Agriculture  and  Mechanic 
Arts,  Col.  A.  Q.  Holladay,  President,  has  a  fine  site  of  sixty- 
two  acres  on  Hillsborough  street,  extended  beyond  the  cor- 
porate limits.  It  is  of  brick,  with  Wake  county  granite  and 
Anson  brownstone.  It  is  170x90  feet,  main  building,  and 
surrounded   by   necessary  shops,  dormitories,  barn,  green- 


99 

house,  etc.  Wm.  S.  Primrose,  Esq.,  is  President  of  the  Board 
of  Directors.  The  Experimental  Farm  is  a  short  distance 
west  of  it,  adjoining  the  State  Fair  grounds. 

Raleigh  also  has  a  United  States  Post-office  and  Court- 
house, built  of  granite  at  a  cost  of  about  half  a  million  dol- 
lars, and  most  conveniently  furnished.  A  Union  Station 
House  has  recently  been  finished  and  opened  by  the  several 
railroads  entering  the  city  at  a  cost  of  S8o,000,  and  affords 
great  satisfaction  to  the  traveling  public.  The  commodious 
new  Park  Hotel  and  Opera-house  erected  by  A.  F.  Page 
will  be  opened  for  business  in  the  fall  of  1893,  and  with  the 
well-known  Yarborough  House  add  to  the  attractions  our 
city  already  enjoys. 

CHURCHES. 

There  are  about  thirty  churches  for  white  and  colored,  or 
one  to  about  five  hundred  population,  a  very  remarkable 
provision  in  a  town  of  its  size.  Services  are  well  attended; 
few  people  fail  to  appreciate  the  blessings  of  reverent  obser- 
vance of  Sunday.  Disorder  or  disturbance  of  any  kind  is 
exceedingly  rare,  and  nowhere  are  there  kinder  relations 
between  the  races.  Sunday-schools  are  well  maintained,  and 
the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  and  the  King's 
Daughters  have  suitable  rooms  where  their  beneficent  work 
is  carried  on.  In  the  church  congregations  nine  thousand 
persons  are  numbered,  and  five  thousand  pupils  in  the  Sun- 
day-schools. Of  the  churches  for  the  white  population  three 
are  Baptist,  three  Methodist,  two  Protestant  Episcopal,  one 
Presbyterian,  one  Roman  Catholic,  one  Christian,  one  Primi- 
tive Baptist,  and  there  are  various  missions.  Six  of  these 
church  edifices  have  been  erected  within  ten  years  past. 

SCHOOLS. 

Dr.  Battle  has  alluded  to  the  happy  influence  upon  the 
history  of  the  city  of  St.  Mary's  School,  which  is  under  the 
care  of  Rev.  Bennett  Smedes,  D.  D.,  Rector,  and  son  of  its 
distinguished  founder.  Its  prosperity  extends  with  its  years. 
The  buildings  and  grounds  form  one  of  the  architectural 
beauties  of  the  city.  More  than  five  thousand  pupils  have 
left  its  halls  to  gladden  the  homes  of  the  South. 

Peace  Institute  is  another  of  the  famous  schools  of  Raleigh 
for  young  ladies,  and  is  situated  in  the  northern  portion  of 
the  city.  Prof.  James  Dinwiddle  is  Principal,  with  twenty- 
two  officers  and  teachers,  and  one  hundred  and  sixty-nine 


100 

pupils.  Both  of  the  above  institutions  rank  among  the  first 
in  the  South. 

The  Baptists  contemplate  the  founding  here  of  a  fiist-class 
University  for  women. 

The  Raleigh  Male  Academy,  Messrs.  Morson  and  Denson, 
Principals,  in  its  fifteenth  year,  has  one  hundred  and  forty- 
five  students,  and  the  record  of  their  standing  in  the  Collf  ges 
and  University  is  unexcelled  by  any  in  the  country. 

The  Public  Graded  Schools  include  the  "Centennial," 
occupying  commodious  buildings  erected  at  the  foot  of  Fay- 
etteville  street,  the  "  Murphy,"  for  girls  chiefly,  and  the  three 
colored  schools.  The  enrollment  of  pupils  is  about  two  thou- 
sand, under  Superintendent  E.  P.  Moses.  The  cost  is  main- 
tained by  special  township  taxation. 

Shaw  University,  with  Estey  Seminary  and  Leonard  Medi- 
cal College,  Rev.  Dr.  H.  M.  Tupper  President,  and  St.  Augus- 
tine Normal  school,  Rev.  A.  B.  Hunter  Principal,  furnish 
educational  advantages  to  the  negroes  of  the  South,  probably 
unsurpassed  in  the  Union.  The  King  of  Belgium  has  sent 
pupils  to  the  former  institution  directly  from  the  Congo  Free 
State,  and  St.  Augustine  is  the  principal  divinity  school  for 
the  colored  people  under  the  patronage  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States. 

FIRE  DEPARTMENT,  TELEGRAPH,  ETC. 

The  Fire  Department  has  been  referred  to,  as  forming  a 
very  distinctive  feature  of  the  Centennial  procession.  It  is 
under  the  charge  of  Capt.  E.  B.  Engelhard,  and  has  a  well 
deserved  reputation  for  promptness  and  efficiency  that  can- 
not be  surpassed.  The  water-supply  from  Walnut  creek, 
carefully  guarded  from  contamination,  is  forced  into  a  tower 
by  compound  pumps,  operated  by  steam  and  water-power, 
with  nearly  twenty  miles  of  main  and  one  hundred  and 
twenty  double  hydrants  for  fire  purposes.  An  electric  fire 
alarm  is  a  valuable  adjunct  to  the  safety  equipment  of  the 
city.  The  Thomson-Houston  electric  system  is  in  use,  but 
the  city  is  mainlv  lighted  by  coal-gas  w^orks. 

The  Western  Union  and  the  Postal  Telegraph  Companies 
have  offices  here,  and  communication  is  kept  up  by  telephone 
throughout  the  city,  With  a  well  equipped  Exchange. 

BANKING    FACILITIES. 

At  the  date  of  this  publication  great  losses  have  occurred 
throughout  the  country  by  the  stoppage  of  payments,  loss  of 


101 

confidence,  and  failures  in  business  to  such  an  extent  as  to 
involve  millions  of  property  and  great  consequent  suffering. 
It  is  especially  gratifying  to  say  that  the  banks  of  Raleigh 
enjoy  the  fullest  confidence  of  the  people,  and  none  of  these 
evils  have,  at  this  writing,  befallen  our  prudent  and  judi- 
cious men  prominent  in  financial  and  mercantile  life.  The 
National  Bank  of  Raleigh,  E.  G.  Reade,  President,  0.  H.  Bel- 
vin,  Cashier,  has  of  capital  $225,000,  surplus  §30,000,  depos- 
its $400,000.  The  Citizens  National,  W.  J.  Hawkins,  Presi- 
dent, J.  G.  Brown,  Cashier,  has  capital  $100,000,  surplus 
§25,000,  deposits  §150,000.  The  Commercial  and  Farmers 
Bank  (State),  J.  J.  Thomas,  President,  B.  S  Jerman,  Cashier, 
has  capital  §100,000,  surplus  §15,000,  deposits  §230,000.  The 
Raleigh  Savings  Bank  has  capital  §15,000,  surplus  §9,000, 
deposits  §150,000.  Of  this  W.  C.  Stronach  is  President,  and 
J.  T.  Pullen  Cashier.  Since  the  ante-bellum  period  no  town 
of  its  size  in  the  South  has  excelled  it  in  the  extent  and  solid- 
ity of  its  banking  facilities. 

INDEBTEDNESS. 

The  total  indebtedness  of  the  city,  as  rendered  in  the 
last  annual  fiscal  report,  is  §207,867.14,  chiefly  in  five  per 
cent,  bonds  due  in  1919  and  1929  respectively.  A  sinking 
fund  is  constantly  reducing  this  amount. 

COTTON    FACTORIES. 

The  Hosiery  Yarn  Mill  was  built  in  1888,  and  has  been 
such  a  success  that  its  products  have  been  sold  for  a  year 
ahead  of  production.     Its  spindles  number  5,000. 

The  Caraleigh  Cotton  Mills  were  begun  in  1890  and  by 
September,  1891,  had  commenced  operations.  Spinning  and 
weaving  are  done,  and  there  will  be  10,000  spindles  and  400 
looms.  The  Pilot  Cotton  Mills  began  in  May,  1893,  and  will 
have  5,000  spindles  with  400  looms.  A  fourth  is  now  pro- 
jected, and  it  is  said  will  be  built  near  the  railroad  not  far 
from  JPullen  Park. 

A  cotton-oil  mill  with  capacity  for  using  seventy-five  tons 
of  seed  daily  is  also  situated  near  the  freight  depot.  Plios- 
phate  works,  supplied  with  the  latest  machinery,  to  furnish 
our  farmers  with  a  superior  home-made  fertilizer,  are  located 
near  Caraleigh  Cotton  Mills. 


102 

COTTON    MARKET. 

Nearl}^  40,000  bales  of  cotton  are  handled  here  annually, 
and  the  system  is  perfect. 

Raleigh  has  all  the  warehouse  room  needful,  a  very  fine 
cotton  platform  convenient^  for  loading  trains,  steam  com- 
press, careful  and  experienced  weighers,  and  merchants  who 
buy  at  the  most  liberal  rates,  some  of  whom  ship  direct  to 
Liverpool,  Hamburg  and  other  ports.  Its  freight  facilities 
are  all  that  could  be  desired.  A  well  managed  Cotton 
Exchange  is  one  of  the  most  important  elements  in  her  busi- 
ness life. 

TOBACCO    MARKET. 

Not  a  few  of  her  most  sagacious  citizens  believe  that  a  great 
development  awaits  her  future  in  tobacco — as  a  market  for 
the  leaf  and  perhaps  also  for  its  manufacture.  The  first 
brought  here  for  sale  was  in  September,  1884,  and  on  the 
26th  was  held  the  first  regular  sale,  in  a  temporary  ware- 
house. Three  spacious  warehouses  were  built  in  less  than 
as  man}^  years  thereafter. 

Indeed,  among  Raleigh's  important  avenues  for  profitable 
development  must  be  mentioned  her  tobacco  industry.  The 
market  was  opened  by  the  organization  of  the  Capital  Tobacco 
Warehouse  Company  in  the  Spring  of  1884,  which  was  soon 
followed  by  the  erection  of  two  other  large  warehouses  for 
the  sale  of  leaf  tobacco,  and  many  commodious  prize  houses 
were  erected.  Joseph  E.  Pogue  moved  his  extensive  plug 
tobacco  works  from  Henderson  to  this  city  in  September, 
1885,  and  thus  started  the  first  plug  tobacco  factory  in  Ral- 
eigh. C.  F.  Harvey,  of  Kinston,  opened  the  second  tobacco 
factory  a  year  later,  and  Mr.  Andrew  Rand,  M.  A.  Parker 
and  others  soon  embarked  in  the  manufacture  of  tobacco. 
Two  years  ago  Mr.  Philip  Taylor  retired  from  the  wholesale 
grocery  business  and  entered  this  inviting  field  for  the  manu- 
facture of  tobacco. 

Raleigh  has  a  live  and  progressive  Tobacco  Board  of 
Trade.  Sells  annually  about  4,000,000  pounds  of  the  golden 
weed,  and  draws  tobacco  from  all  the  counties  contiguous  to 
Wake,  which,  together  with  Wake  county,  makes  a  large 
area  of  good  tobacco  producing  territory,  naturally  tributary 
to  the  Raleigh  tobacco  market,  which  now  fully  guarantees 
its  success. 

Almost  every  line  of  mercantile  business  may  be  found  in 
our  city,  well  represented:  commission,  wholesale  and  retail 


103 

houses  in  groceries,  dry  goods,  hardware,  clothing,  books  and 
stationery,  jewelry,  confectioneries ;  book  and  job  printers, 
drugs,  sewing  machines,  etc.  Many  of  these  have  a  long 
and  honored  liistory. 

The  Insurance  interest  is  well  cared  for,  this  being  a  cen- 
ter for  the  surrounding  region,  'i  he  North  Carolina  Home 
Insurance  Company  was  founded  here  a  quarter  of  a  century 
ago  and  is  flourishing  to-day. 

A    LITERARY    CP:NTER. 

Raleigh  has  always  held  a  high  position  as  a  center  of 
intelligence.  With  a  population  of  about  16,000  it  has  the 
same  postal  revenue  from  papers,  magazines,  etc.,  that  Nor- 
folk and  like  cities  of  40,000  population  enjoy.  Here  are 
published  the  News  and  Observer  (which  has  recently  acquired 
the  CJtronide)  and  the  Evening  Visitor,  dailies  with  weekly 
issues,  and  also  the  North  Carolinian,  Christian  Advocate, 
Christian  San,  Biblical  Recorder,  Signal,  Progressive  Farmer, 
Gazette,  Friend  of  Temperance,  North  Carolina  Teacher,  Eclectic, 
Voice  of  Peace,  etc. 

THE    NEWS    AND    OBSERVER. 

It  is  not  invidious  to  say  of  the  News  and  Observer,  by  which 
name  it  is  best  known,  that  for  twenty-five  years  it  has  been 
an  honor  and  crown  of  journalism  in  the  State.  Its  editor- 
in-chief,  Capt.  Samuel  A.  Ashe,  a  son  of  the  revolutionary 
stock  of  our  glorious  annals,  united  legal  training  and  legis- 
lative experience  with  his  own  patriotic  history,  before  assum- 
ing the  arduous  duties  of  political  and  economical  leadership 
in  the  daily  press,  and  his  success  amid  a  multitude  of  the 
wrecks  of  such  enterprises  throughout  the  country,  bears 
tribute  to  the  energy  and  sagacity  of  this  citizen  of  Raleigh. 

CHARITIES. 

The  benevolent  orders  all  flourish,  both  white  and  colored, 
and  they  have  been  referred  to  in  the  account  of  the  Centen- 
nial procession.  St.  John's  Hospital  is  a  voluntary  charita- 
ble institution,  organized  by  St.  John's  Guild  of  the  Church 
of  the  Good  Shepherd,  reflecting  the  highest  credit  on  the 
citizens  who  organized  and  maintain  it.  Dr.  P.  E.  Hines  is 
Medical  Superintendent  and  A.  P.  C.  Bryan,  Treasurer. 


104 

Dr.  Battle  has  alluded  to  the  purchase  of  land  in  1813  by 
John  Rex,  a  benevolent  citizen  of  that  da}^  who  left  it  by 
will,  with  other  property,  for  the  founding  of  a  hospital  for 
the  city.  Much  of  this  fund  was  lost  in  the  financial  revo- 
lution occurring  by  the  war  of  1861.  By  wuse  management 
the  remainder  has  gradually  increased  to  nearly  thirty 
thousand  dollars,  and  a  happy  arrangement  has  been  effected 
whereby  St.  John's  passes  to  the  control  of  the  Rex  Hospital 
Trustees,  R.  H.  Battle,  W.  G.  Upchurch  and  others,  while  its 
beneficent  work  goes  on,  aided  by  the  income  devised  by  the 
noble  man  who  has  so  long  slept  with  the  just. 

The  Soldiers'  Home  is  situated  on  Newbern  avenue,  and 
through  the  efforts  of  W.  C.  Stronach  and  other  large-hearted 
citizens,  was  opened  for  North  Carolina  Veterans  in  the  fall 
of  1890.  It  has  now  about  sixty  inmates,  and  receives  an 
appropriation  from  the  State  Treasury. 

On  all  occasions,  when  a  great  calamity  has  fallen  upon 
any  portion  of  the  Union,  our  city  has  never  failed  to  respond 
cheerfully  to  the  cry  of  distress,  and  to  contribute  its  full 
share  for  relief. 

THE    SUBURBS. 

If  space  permitted  we  might  describe  the  beauty  of  the 
hills  about  our  city  and  their  pleasant  homes.  A  chapter 
might  well  be  bestowed  upon  the  wheat-growing  farms,  vine- 
yards, numerous  and  extensive;  cotton-growing,  market-gar- 
dens, dairies  and  other  interests.  But  we  add  a  line  from 
the  pen  of  the  proprietor  of  Fair  View  Farm,  and  one  of  our 
men  of  business  with  large  experience,  Capt.  B.  P.  William- 
son: 

"  Ten  years'  experience  has  taught  me  that  many  of  the 
best  grasses  and  all  the  best  clovers  grow  well  around  Ral- 
eigh, and  with  the  care  taken  in  all  other  sections  with  their 
growing  we  get  as  good  results  as  others  anywhere. 

"  Five  years'  experience  in  breeding  fine  horses  justifies  me 
in  saying  that  we  can  breed  and  raise  them  as  fine,  as  good 
and  as  cheaply  as  in  any  section  of  our  great  country." 

Nor  has  the  Capital  of  North  Carolina  ever  been  wanting 
in  patriotism.  Early  in  the  war  of  1812,  with  Great  Britain, 
John  T.  C.  Wyatt  (Wiatt)  led  a  company  as  captain,  and 
many  citizens  enlisted  in  the  company  of  Capt.  W.  H. 
McCullers.  Captains  John  Bell  and  John  Green  also  com- 
manded companies  at  a  later  period  in  the  war,  which  em- 
braced many  Raleigh  men.     She  sent  a  volunteer  company 


105 

to  the  Mexican  war,  and  many  joined  the  company  of  Regu- 
lars commanded  by  Captain  (afterwards  Colonel)  W.  J. 
Clarke.  It  would  be  difficult,  if  not  impossible,  to  name  the 
hundreds  of  her  sons  who  served  in  the  war  of  18()1,  in  every 
capacity,  from  general  to  private  soldier.  Two  of  the  great 
camps  of  instruction  w^re  here ;  there  was  hardly  a  regiment 
without  a  Raleigh  boy,  and  Manly's  battery,  if  we  may 
specify  one  out  of  many  brave  organizations,  reflected  glory 
upon  its  home. 

Here  lie  the  lamented  General,  L.  O'B.  Branch,  Geo.  B. 
Anderson,  Col.  H.  K.  Burgwyn,  Col.  Sion  H.  Rogers,  Col. 
Turner,  Capt.  Randolph  Shotwell  and  others,  and  eight  hun- 
dred brave  Confederates,  asleep  in  the  cemetery  marked  out 
for  their  special  resting-place. 

The  North  Carolina  Monumental  Association,  Mrs.  Armis- 
tead  Jones,  President,  w^ill  erect  in  Capitol  Square  a  shaft 
commemorative  of  the  great  deeds  of  North  Carolina's  heroes. 
The  General  Assembly  has  given  $10,000  to  this  object,  and 
the  women  of  the  State,  especially,  are  responding  to  the  call 
to  honor  the  venerated  dead  with  a  fitting  testimonial  of  the 
gratitude  of  those  for  whose  rights  and  liberties  they  gave 
up  their  lives. 

Far  more  might  be  said  of  our  city's  honorable  record  in 
the  past,  and  its  prosperous  outlook  to-day.  A  commemora- 
tive volume  like  this  must  necessarily  leave  the  greater  field 
to  the  historian.  But  we  hazard  nothing  in  declaring  that 
in  such  hands  as  those  which  guide  the  progress  of  Ral- 
eigh; —  in  markets  and  m'anufactures,  in  municipal  and 
social  advancement,  in  literary  culture  and  moral  elevation, 
her  future  is  safe.  And  when  a  century  hence  our 
descendants  gather,  perhaps,  about  some  magnificent  col- 
umn that  emblazons  the  patriotism  and  virtue  of  the  great 
Englishman  w^iose  name  has  crowned  our  Capital,  may 
sunny  skies  bend  over  a  people  as  peaceful  and  happy  as 
their  fathers  of  to-day — a  people  symbolized  by  the  Liberty 
and  Plenty  on  North  Carolina's  arms,  and  rooted  like  the 
oaks  of  the  home  they  love,  against  the  shocks  and  storms  of 
time.         •  C.  B    D. 


THE  CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 


The  commemoration  of  the  one  hundredth  anniversary 
of  the  founding  of  the  city  of  Raleigh  was  suggested  by  the 
press  and  by  many  influential  citizens;  and  in  pursuance 
thereof  committees  for  said  celebration  were  appointed  by 
the  Board  of  Aldermen,  the  Chamber  of  Commerce,  the 
Stale  Agricultural  Society,  and  the  citizens  in  mass  meeting. 

The  following  extract  from  the  minutes  of  the  City  Clerk 
presents  the  origin  of  the  celebration: 

[Resolution  adopted  April  1,  1892.] 
By  Alderman  Pogue: 

Whereas,  This  is  the  centennial  anniversary  of  the  city  of  Raleigh; 
and  whereas  it  is  befitting  that  the  event  be  duly  observed — 

Resolved.  1st,  That  the  Mayor  appoint  from  the  Board  of  Aldermen 
a  committee  of  five  (of  which  His  Honor  shall  be  chairman)  to  devise 
ways  and  means  by  which  this  historic  event  may  be  appropriately  cele- 
brated. 

Resolved.  2d,  That  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  be  requested  to  appoint 
at  their  next  meeting  a  similar  committee  to  cooperate  with  this  com- 
mittee. 

The  Mayor  appointed  the  following  committee  under  the  resolution: 
Aldermen  Pogue,  Stronach,  Hunnicutt  and  Bowes 

C.   W.  LAMBETH,  Clerk. 

The  following  gentlemen  composed  the  Board  of  Alder- 
men who  authorized  the  proposed  steps  for  the  said  celebra- 
tion: 

First  Ward— Frank  Stronach,  M.  A.  Parker,  J.  R.  Terrell 
and  R.  C.  Redford. 

Second  Ward— W.  R.  Womble,  S.  A\  House  and  F.  W. 
Hunnicutt. 

Third  Ward — C.  R.  Lee,  J.  E  Pogue  and  Thomas  Pescud. 

Fourth  Ward — M.  Bowes,  B.  J.  Robinson  (colored)  and 
Alfred  Tate  (colored). 

Fifth  Ward — Julius  Lewis,  R.  E.  Lumsden,  D.  M.  King 
and  L.  B.  Pegram. 

A  joint  meeting  was  held  in  Metropolitan  Hall  July  21, 
1892,  of  the  gentlemen  thus  selected,  who  chose  an  addi- 
tional number  of  citizens  to  serve  with  them  under  the 
name  of  "The  Board  of  Managers  of  the  Raleigh  Centen- 
nial." Mavor  Thomas  Badger  was  elected  chairman  and 
Henry  E.  Litchford  secretary,  and  the  Board  was  constituted 
with  the  following  members:  Dr.  E.  Burke  Haywood,  Rev. 


107 

Dr.  J.  J.  Hall,  Capt.  C.  B.  Denson,  L.  C.  Bagwell,  B.  F. 
Cheatham,  B.   F.  Womble,  B.  S.  Jerman,  H.   E.   Litchford, 

E.  McK.  Goodwin,  James  Boylan,  Charles  E.  Johnson,  G.  E. 
Leach,  C.  B.  Edwards,  B.  R.  Harding,  W.  S.  Primrose,  A.  Q. 
Holladay,  W.  C.  Stronach,  R.  G.  Dunn,  G.  F.  Kennedy, 
Josephus  Daniels,  W.  E.  Ashley,  P.  H.  Andrews,  W.  H. 
Hughes,  A.  A.  Thompson,  R.  H.  Battle,  Dr.  R.  H.  Lewis,  Dr. 
James  McKee,  Frank  Stronach,  J.  E.  Pogue,  F.  W.  Hunni- 
cutt,  ^I.  Bowes,  Julius  Lewis,  B.  P.  Williamson,  Col.  W.  J. 
Hicks,  D.  W.  Bain,  N.  B.  Broughton,  C.  G.  Latta,  R.  S.  Pul- 
len,  Hon  T.  M.  Holt,  Maj.  R.  S.  Tucker,  Dr.  T.  D.  Hogg, 
Capt.  S.  A.  Ashe,  A.  F.  Page,  William  M.  Boylan,  Judge  A. 
S.  Merrimon,  Judge  T.  C.  Fuller,  Hon.  E.  G.  Reade,  J.  J. 
Thomas,  Col.  A.  B.  Andrews,  Dr.  W.  J.  Hawkins,  Hon.  T.  R. 
Jernigan,  Dr.  G.  W.  Blacknall,  Maj.  John  C.  Winder,  C.  B. 
Root,  William  G.  Upchurch,  .Judge  W^alter  Clark,  J.  S. 
Wynne  and  Col.  J.  M.  Heck. 

On  July  29,  under  a  resolution  of  the  Board,  the  Mayor 
nominated  the  members  of  the  following  committees,  who 
were  duly  elected  : 

Committee  of  Invitation — C.  B.  Denson,  B.  P.  Williamson, 
Walter  Clark,  Dr.  R.  H.  Lewis  and  T.  R.  Jernigan. 

Committee  on  Programme — J.  E.  Pogue,  A.  A.  Thompson, 
C.  G.  Latta,  S.  A.  Ashe  and  N.  B.  Broughton. 

Committee  on  Ways  and  Means— R.  H.  Battle,  R.  S.  Pul- 
len,  J.  J.  Thomas,  J.  J.  Hall,  D.  D.,  and  R.  S.  Tucker. 

Committee  on  Speakers  and  Music — W.  S.  Primrose,  A.  Q,. 
Holladay,  C.  B.  Edwards,  W.  H.  Hughes  and  A.  S.  Merrimon. 

Committee  on  Printing  and  Advertising — Josephus  Dan- 
iels, G.  E.  Leach,  D.  T.  Swindell,  B.  F.  Womble  and  B.  S. 
Jerman. 

Committee  on  Trade  Floats — W.  E.  Ashley,  Julius  Lewis, 
J.  S.  Wynne,  James  McKee,  M.  D.,  and  W.  G.  Upchurch. 

Committee  on  Centennial  Ball— Charles  E.  Johnson,  G.  W. 
Blacknall,  James  Boylan,  E.  McK.  Goodwin  and  W.  C. 
Stronach. 

Subsequently  other  gentlemen  were  requested  to  serve  on 
the  Board,  and  the  following  additional  committees  were 
appointed : 

Committee  on  Pyrotechnics  and  Military — Frank  Stronach, 
M.  Bowes,  L.  C.  Bagwell,  C.  F.  Kennedy,  P.  H.  Andrews,  S.  F. 
Telfair,  J.  W.  Cross,  E.  G.  Harrell,  H.  M.  Cowan,  E.  B.  Engel- 
hard, W.  B.  Grimes,  G.  E.  Leach,  W.  R.  Richardson   and 

F.  A.  Olds. 

Committee  on  Decorations  and  Illuminations — D.  T.  Swin- 
dell, George  C.  Heck  and  L.  A.  Mahler. 


108 

Committee  on  Transportation — G.  E.  Leach  and  P.  H. 
Andrews. 

Committee  on  Finance — J.  E  Pogue  and  C.  B.  Root. 

Bureau  of  Information — H.  AV.  Ayer,  G.  E.  Leach  and  F. 
Stronach. 

The  Managers  held  frequent  meetings,  characterized  by 
great  earnestness  and  always  harmonious  and  agreeable. 
Indeed,  throughout  the  history  of  the  celebration,  as  with 
one  heart,  the  whole  people  of  the  city  united  in  this  task 
of  love.  Ten  thousand  copies  of  the  following  address  were 
distributed  throughout  the  State: 

To  the  People  of  North  Carolina  : 

One  hundred  years  ago  the  Capital  of  your  State  was  founded  upon 
the  order  of  a  Sovereign  Convention  of  the  people.  The  city  thus  called 
into  existence  by  your  will,  in  the  quiet  shades  of  a  beautiful  forest  of 
oaks,  in  the  county  of  Wake,  has  grown  with  your  growth,  nourished 
by  the  best  blood  of  the  commonwealth,  and  is  to-day  the  representative 
of  your  heroic  past  and  brilliant  future. 

The  history  of  Raleigh  is  your  own  history  in  an  especial  sense.  Every 
county  has  contributed  to  its  population,  and  sent  hither  some  leader  of 
the  people  in  legislative  assemblies,  or  some  one  of  the  noble  spirits  that 
have  honored  the  judicial  bench  or  the  executive  chair. 

The  ashes  of  many  of  Carolina's  sons,  distinguished  in  peace  or  war, 
rest  here.  Ties  of  kindred  and  friendship  unite  every  county  of  your 
broad  domain  with  this  city.  Its  very  streets  and  public  squares  are 
your  own  propertv.  Here  your  laws  are  made,  proclaimed,  interpreted 
and  executed.  Here  are  many  of  your  great  institutions  of  State,  and 
here  are  preserved  the  records  which  will  be  the  grandest  legacy  of  your 
posterity.  To  celebrate  the  Centennial  of  Raleigh,  is  to  commemorate 
the  deeds  of  the  great  statesmen,  jurists,  educators  and  soldiers  that  each 
section  of  the  State  has  sent  hither  for  the  common  welfare  of  all. 

They  have  left  an  impress  upon  this  community  forever.  They  have 
made  Raleigh  in  moulding  the  spirit  of  its  people. 

Accepting  the  bidding  of  modern  enterprise,  without  forgetting  the 
glorious  traditions  of  the  former  days,  we  are  rejoiced  that  with  new 
life  and  strength,  your  Capital  is  growing  daily  in  material  progress.  In 
churches  and  schools,  in  factories  and  workshops,  in  facilities  for  trade, 
in  multiplied  institutions,  the  improvements  of  modern  life,  and  the 
comfort  and  beauty  of  her  homes. 

Therefore,  celebrating  with  grateful  hearts  the  completion  of  her  first 
century,  the  undersigned  committee  of  her  citizens  cordially  invite  all 
North  Carolinians,  from  every  town  and  county,  to  assemble  on  the  18th, 
19th  and  20th  days  of  October  next,  and  unite  with  the  people  of  Raleigh 
in  the  commemoration  of  the  Centennial  of  their  home  and  your  Capital. 

During  that  week  the  Raleigh  Centennial,  the  State  Fair,  a  magnifi- 
cent pyrotechnic  display,  and  a  festival  recalling  colonial  days,  will 
take  place  for  your  interest  and  enjoyment. 

We  repeat,  then,  the  cordial  invitation  to  the  people  of  North  Caro- 
lina, and  to  those  of  Carolinian  ancestry  or  association,  wherever  they 
may  be,  to  come  up  as  one  man,  and  with  one  heart.  The  citizens  of 
Raleigh  will  bid  you  welcome. 

Thomas  Badger,  Pres.  -T.  M.  Heck. 

H.  E.  LiTCHFORD,  Sec.  C.  B.  Denson, 

W.  S.  Primrose. 

Raleigh,  N.  C.  August  26,  1882.  Special  Com.  of  Invitation. 


109 

This  was  cordially  responded  to  by  the  press,  and,  as  the 
event  proved,  by  the  largest  assemblage  of  people  that  the 
Capital  of  North  Carolina  had  ever  witnessed  within  her 
limits. 

The  Committee  on  Programme  recommended  that  Hon. 
Kemp  P.  Battle,  LL.  D.,  of  the  University  of  North  Carolina, 
be  requested  to  deliver  the  commemorative  address,  and  that 
a  prize  be  offered  for  the  best  centennial  poem,  which  Capt. 
C.  B.  Denson  was  invited  to  read. 

The  Board  of  Aldermen  generously  contributed  from  the 
funds  of  the  city  two  thousand  one  hundred  dollars  to  aid 
in  defraying  the  cost  of  the  celebration.  Oriole  yellow  and 
red  were  adopted  as  the  colors  of  the  city,  henceforth  to  be 
inseparably  blended  with  the  happy  remembrance  of  a  cele- 
bration, so  delightful  to  the  people,  and  so  honorable  in  its 
patriotic  spirit  and  devotion. 

By  common  consent,  Col.  J.  M.  Heck  was  chosen  Chief 
Marshal.  This  high  honor  was  not  unappreciated,  but  he 
modestly  strove  to  transfer  it  to  some  other  citizen.  Happily 
for  all,  the  Board  of  Managers  unanimously  insisted  upon  its 
choice,  and  events  proved  the  wisdom  of  the  selection  of  a 
gentleman  of  expansive  views,  admirable  executive  power, 
and  knowledge  of  the  infinite  details  essential  to  success  in 
any  great  demonstration. 

A  grand  allegorical  and  trades  procession  was  resolved 
upon  for  Tuesday,  October  ]  8,  to  be  followed  by  the  oration  at 
night;  on  Wednesday  night,  a  display  of  fireworks  in  Moore 
Square;  and  on  Thursday  night,  the  centennial  ball. 

Messrs  C.  B  Root,  Samuel  A.  Ashe  and  C.  B.  Denson  were 
appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  a  list  of  honorary  mar- 
shals as  special  guests,  to  be  chosen  from  the  old  citizens 
identified  with  the  growth  and  history  of  the  town.  The 
gentlemen  selected  were  to  be  not  less  than  sixty-five  years 
of  age,  to  be  chosen  from  every  walk  of  life,  and  to  be 
escorted  in  carriages  as  the  honored  fathers  of  the  Oak  City. 

On  the  nomination  of  Chief  Marshal  Heck,  field  marshals 
of  divisions  and  assistant  marshals  were  elected  (October  4), 
and  thereafter  Centennial  Headquarters  were  opened  at  the 
office  of  George  C.  Heck,  Esq.  (corner  Fayetteville  and  Martin 
streets),  where  the  field  marshals  held  frequent  meetings  for 
thorough  organization.  The  centennial  colors  were  distrib- 
uted, and  soon  the  red  and  yellow  were  seen  on  the  bosom 
of  all,  rich  and  poor,  white  and  colored,  old  and  young, 
united  at  least  in  pride  of  the  glorious  history  and  steady 
advancement  of  the  city  that  bears  Raleigh's  great  name. 


110 

Invitations  were  issued  to  eminent  gentlemen  throughout 
the  country,  and  especially  to  distinguished  North  Caroli- 
nians, and  those  connected  with  Raleigh  by  former  residence 
or  ancestry.  The  greater  number  responded  by  attending  in 
person,  and  were  courteously  received  by  Field  Marshal 
Charles  E.  Johnson  and  assistants.  Replies  from  others  were 
received,  some  of  which  are  appended  as  follows: 

RALEIGH  FROM  ABROAD— COMPLIMENTARY  PARAGRAPHS  IN 
REFERENCE  TO  OUR  CITY— THE  CELEBRATION  OF  THE 
CENTENNIAL  AWAKENS  INTEREST  THROUGHOUT  THE 
COUNTRY. 

The  celebration  of  the  Centennial  of  Raleigh  has  awakened  interest 
throughout  the  country.  The  newspapers  of  this  State  and  those  adjoin- 
ing have  many  complimentary  paragraphs  in  reference  to  the  enterprise 
of  our  city.  We  publish  a  few  of  the  many  courteous  letters  received 
by  the  Committee  of  Invitation  of  the  Board  of  Managers. 

Cardinal's  Residence, 
Baltimore.  Md.,  October  14,  1892. 
Messrs.  C.  B.  Denson,  Walter  Clark,  B.  P.   Williamson,  R.  H.  Lewis 
and  T.  R.  Jernigan,  Committee  of  Invitation. 

Gentlemen:  His  Eminence  the  Cardinal  begs  to  thank  you  for  the 
kind  invitation  which,  in  the  name  of  the  Board  of  Managers,  you  have 
sent  him  to  attend  the  Raleigh  Centennial.  Nothing  would  have  given 
him  more  satisfaction  than  to  assist  in  the  ceremonies  in  commemora- 
tion of  the  founding  of  the  Capital  of  North  Carolina.  But  he  will  be 
present  in  Chicago  at  that  time,  where  he  has  been  invited  to  say  the 
closing  prayer  at  the  dedication  of  the  buildings  of  the  W^orld's  Fair. 
I  beg  to  assure  you.  gentlemen,  of  the  Cardinal's  appreciation,  of  and  his 
gratitude  at,  your  kind  invitation. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be.  gentlemen. 

Very  respectfully  yours  in  Christ, 

C.  F.  Thomas.  Chancellor. 


[From  ex-President  Grover  Cleveland.] 

Victoria  Hotel,  New  York  City,  Oct.  18,  1892. 
C.  B.  Denson,  Esq.,  Chairman  Committee  of  Invitation,  Raleigh,  N.  C. 

My  Dear  Sir:  I  beg  to  acknowledge  with  thanks  the  receipt  of  an 
invitation  in  behalf  of  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the  Raleigh  Centennial 
to  be  present  at  the  commemoration  of  the  founding  of  the  Capital  of 
North  Carolina,  to  take  place  from  the  18th  to  the  21st  of  the  present 
month. 

I  very  much  regret  that  my  engagements  here  are  such  as  to  forbid 
my  acceptance  of  your  courteous  invitation.  Hoping  that  the  occasion 
will  be  entirely  successful  and  thoroughly  enjovable,  I  am  very  truly 
yours.  Grover  Cleveland. 


[From  the  Governor  of  Virginia.] 

Governor's  Office,  Richmond,  Oct.  17,  1892. 
C.  B.  Denson,  et  al..  Committee  of  Invitation  100th  Anniversary  of  the 

City  of  Raleigh. 

Gentlemen:    I  am  directed    by   His  Excellency  the    Governor    to 
acknowledge  the  receipt  of  the  invitation  to  the  100. h  anniversary  of  the 


Ill 

city  of  Raleigh,  and  Slate  of  North  Carolina,  from  the  18th  to  the  21st 
of  October,  1892,  to  thank  you  for  the  compliment  conveyed  and  to 
express  his  very  great  regret  that  the  pressure  of  official  business  and 
other  public  engagements  here,  will  preclude  his  having  the  pleasure  of 
being  present  upon  such  an  enjoyable  occasion,  commemorating  as  it 
does  the  life  and  success  of  the  noble  Raleigh  in  whom  Virginia  claims 
an  equal  interest  with  her  sister  North  Carolina.  With  best  wishes  for 
the  complete  success  of  your  celebration,  I  am  very  respectfully  and 
trulv  yours,  Cazneau  McLeod,  Secretary. 


[From  the  Chief  Justice  of  the  United  States.] 

Washington,  October  15,  1892. 
C.  B.  Benson  and  others,  Board  of  Managers  of  the  Raleigh  Centennial  : 
The  Chief  Justice  and  Mrs.  Fuller  beg  to  acknowledge  the  invitation 
of  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the  Raleigh  Centennial,  to  be  present  at  the 
100th  anniversary  of  the  city  of  Raleigh  on  the  18th,  19th,  20th  and  21st 
of  October,  1892,  and  to  express  their  regret  at  their  inability  to  attend 
on  that  occasion. 


[From  O.  V.  Smith,  Traffic  Manager  Seaboard  Air-Line.] 

Norfolk,  Va.,  October  15,  1892. 
Capt.  C.  B.  Benson,  Chaii^man  Committee  of  Invitation,  Raleigh,  N.  C. 
Dear  Sir:  I  beg  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  invitation  to  be 
present  at  the  celebration  of  the  city  of  Raleigh's  100th  anniversary. 
Rest  assured  it  would  afford  me  infinite  pleasure  to  be  with  you  on  so 
interesting  an  occasion.  I  regret,  however,  that  my  engagements  require 
my  presence  in  New  York  from  the  18th  to  the  22d  inclusive. 

May  abundant  success  crown  your  efforts,  and  may  Raleigh's  pros- 
perity, population  and  progressiveness  move  hand  in  hand  with  each 
succeeding  year  of  her  second  century. 

Yours  truly, 

O.  V.  Smith. 


[From  the  Hon,  J.  F.  Graves.  Judge  Superior  Court  of  North  Carolina.] 

Mt.  Airy,  N.  C,  October  18,  1892. 
Messrs.  C.  B.  Benson,  Walter  Clark,  B.  P.   Williamson,  R.  H.  Lewis, 

M.  D.,  and  T.  R.  Jernigan. 

Dear  Sirs:  On  my  return  home  from  Gaston  Superior  Court,  I  found 
your  invitation  to  be  present  and  unite  in  the  "  Commemoration  of  the 
founding  of  the  Capital  of  North  Carolina." 

I  have  pride  in  the  past  history  and  present  condition  of  North  Caro- 
lina, and  earnestly  desire  that  the  past  history  may  be  brought  truly  to 
light,  so  that  the  beloved  State  may  be  put  before  our  own  people  and 
all  others  in  such  way  that  the  grand  commonwealth  may  occupy  her 
proper  position  in  the  hearts  of  her  own  people,  and  in  the  mind  of  the 
whole  world.  Yours  truly, 

J.  F.  Graves. 


[From  Rev.  Charles  F.  Deems,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  4  Winthrop  Place.  New  York,  Oct.  14,  '92.] 

Captain  C.  B.  Benson. 

Dear  Sir:  Be  pleased  to  present  to  the  Committee  on  Invitation  very 
grateful  acknowledgment  of  their  request  to  be  present  and  unite  in  the 
commemoration  of  the  lOOch  anniversary  of  the  foundation  of  the  city 
of  Raleigh. 


112 

Having  known  the  good  capital  of  the  dear  Old  North  State  through 
more  than  half  its  life,  having  had  many  of  my  best  friends  among 
its  citizens,  and  having  most  delightful  meuiories  connected  with  it,  let 
me  assure  you  that  I  have  sincere  regret  that  my  engagements  deny  me 
the  pleasure  of  taking  part  in  the  proposed  commemoration. 
With  very  great  respect. 

Yours  cordially, 

Charles  F.  Deems. 


[From  Judge  lyegh  R.  Watts,  General  Counsel  of  the  Seaboard  Air-Line.] 

Portsmouth,  Va.,  October  14,  1892. 
Capt.  C.  B.  Deiison,  Esq.,  Raleigh,  N.  C. 

My  Dear  Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  the 
invitation  to  attend  the  lOOch  anniversary  of  the  city  of  Raleigh,  from 
the  18ih  to  the  21st  inst.  I  am  much  gratified  at  your  thoughtful  cour- 
tesy, and  did  not  business  engagements  of  an  imperative  character  take 
me  to  the  North  at  the  time  indicated  I  should  certainly  be  present. 
My  official  connection  with  the  system  of  railroads  which  is  so  intimately 
identified  with  your  city  and  its  prosperity,  is  one  reason  why  I  should 
like  to  attend;  another  is  a  reason  personal  to  myself.  There  is  a  bond 
which  binds  together  the  people  of  the  two  commonwealths,  and  in  the 
city  of  Raleigh  I  have  many  friend.-^.  I  notice  with  pleasure  the  distin- 
guished position  assigaed  you:  as  an  old  friend,  schoolmate,  and  former 
fellow-townsman  I  congratulate  you.  Again  thanking  you  and  the 
Committee  on  Invitation,  I  remain 

Yours  very  truly, 

Legh  R.  Watts. 


[From  ex-Governor  C.  H.  Brogden.] 

GOLDSBORO,  N.  C,  October  14,  1892. 
To  the  Committee  on  Invitation. 

Gentlemen:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
polite  invitation  on  the  part  of  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the  Raleigh 
Centennial  by  which  I  am  cordially  invited  to  be  present  "and  unite 
with  them  in  the  commemoration  of  the  founding  of  the  Capital  of  North 
Carolina." 

For  this  distinguished  mark  of  respect  I  beg  leave  to  tender  you  and 
those  you  represent  my  sincere  thanks,  and  the  assurance  that  it  is  highly 
and  gratefully  appreciated. 

Having  been  acquainted  with  the  city  of  Raleigh  and  many  of  her 
good  people  for  the  last  fifty-four  years,  and  having  resided  in  that  city 
and  been  connected  with  our  State  government  in  different  ways  a  con- 
siderable part  of  the  time.  I  have  always  felt  a  deep  and  lively  interest 
in  the  development  of  her  resources,  and  her  prosperity  and  growth. 

In  all  the  mutations  through  which  our  country  has  passed  during  the 
last  one  hundred  years,  Raleigh  has  steadily  maintained  her  good  char- 
acter for  peace,  law  and  order.  As  the  best  evidence  of  this  statement, 
there  has  been  less  crime  committed  within  her  limits  than  in  any  other 
town  or  city  in  the  United  States,  according  to  population,  for  the  same 
length  of  time.  This  is  owing  to  her  peaceable  and  law-abiding  people, 
and  the  good  management  of  her  municipal  affairs.  No  town,  in  or  out 
of  the  State,  ever  had  a  better  population  than  the  old  settlers  and  citi- 
zens of  Raleigh.  The  hero,  whose  name  she  bears,  was  a  man  of  noble 
presence  and  commanding  genius,  unquestionably  one  of  the  most  splen- 
did figures  in  a  time  unusually  prolific  of  all  splendid  developments  of 
humanity.  In  the  politic  wisdom  of  the  statesman  and  the  skilful  dar- 
ing of  the  warrior,  he  was  pre-eminent.    The  moral  element  of  the  man 


113 

shone  out  eminently  in  the  darkness  which  beset  his  later  fortunes,  and 
the  calm  and  manly  dignity  with  which  he  bore  adverse  fate  conciliated 
even  those  whom  his  haughtiness  in  prosperity  had  offended.  We  are 
informed  that  under  the  auspices  of  Sir  Waller  Raleigh,  the  flag  of  Eng- 
land was  first  unfurled  on  Roanoke  Island,  in  North  Carolina,  on  the  4th 
of  July,  1584.  When  the  book  of  time  shall  be  opened  it  will  show  that 
the  city  of  Raleigh  has  a  history  and  a  fame  of  which  North  Carolina 
may  well  be  proud.  May  ^he  continue  *•  to  walk  in  her  integrity"  and 
increase  in  prosperity  and  Christianity  as  time  rolls  on.  May  "  peace  be 
within  her  walls  and  prosperity  within  her  gates."  May  "her  ways  be 
ways  of  pleasantness,  and  all  her  patlis  be  peace."  I  have  the  honor  to 
be,  with  very  great  rt^spect. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

C.  H.  Brogdex. 


[From  Col.  J.  S.  Amis.] 

Oxford,  N.  C,  October  17,  1892. 
Messrs.  C.  B.  Denson  and  others.  Committee,  Raleigh,  N.  C. 

Gentlemen:  Accept  mv  thanks  for  the  invitation  to  be  present  at  your 
city  centennial  on  the  18th  of  October.  I  am  glnd  to  see  your  city  put- 
ting on  so  much  life  and  becoming  pride  in  her  history,  and  doubt  not 
that  the  beneficial  inflaence  resulting  from  this  celebration  will  be  far-- 
reaching,  not  only  to  your  city,  but  to  the  whole  State.  It  would  be 
most  delightful  to  witness  the  display  and  partake  of  the  patriotic  spirit 
of  the  occasion,  bat  other  engagements  will  render  it  impossible  for  me 
to  be  with  you. 

Wishing  the  fullest  success  in  all  that  concerns  your  city,  and  again 
thanking  you,  I  am.  Your  obedient  servant, 

J.  S.  Amis, 
President  Board  of  Directors  of  Insane  Asvlum  North  Carolina. 


[From  an  old  citizen  of  Raleigh.] 

The  Dickinson  County  News. 
Abilene,  Kansas,  October  15,  1892. 

Messrs.  C.  B.  Denson,  B.  P.  Williamson,  and  others,  Committee. 

Gentlemen:  There  is  nothing  that  would  give  us  more  pleasure — my 
son  and  I — than  to  be  present  at  the  "Raleigh  Centennial,"  but  short- 
ness of  time  and  business  duties  compel  us  to  reluctantly  decline  your 
kind  invitation.  I.  especially,  would  like  to  be  with  you  on  that  occa- 
sion, as  I  am  a  native  of  the  good  Old  North  State,  and  was  a  resident 
of  Raleigh  from  1885  to  1869.  During  that  time  I  saw  Hon.  E.  E.  Dud- 
ley, the  first  Governor  elected  by  the  people  of  the  State,  inaugurated, 
and  many  other  things  of  historical  interest,  up  to  the  time  that  tried 
men's  souls — 1861  to  1865 — all  of  which  would  do  me  good  to  hear  related. 

My  affection  for  my  native  land  grows  stronger  every  day,  and  I  trust 
you  will  have  a  celebration  fraught  with  so  much  pleasure  that  it  will 
not  cease  to  live  in  the  hearts  of  the  present  and  future  generations, 
during  the  second  century. 

Thanking  you  for  your  kind  remembrance  of  us,  I  am, 

Respectfully  yours, 

F.  K.  Strother. 

A  cordial  invitation  was  extended  lo  the  various  organi- 
zations in  the  city  to  take  part  in  the  procession,  and  also  to 
the  ranking  officers  of  each  body  in  the  State,  including  the 


114 

Masons,  Knights  Templar,  Odd  Fellows,  Knights  of  Pythias, 
Trades  Union,  Typographical  Union,  Ladies'  Auxiliary  of 
Youn^  Men's  Christian  Association,  TobaccQ  Association, 
Raleigh  Academy  of  Medicine,  Cotton  Exchange,  Dental 
Association,  Underwriters'  Association,  Raleigh  and  Gaston 
Railroad  Relief  Association,  Brotherhood  of  Locomotive 
Engineers,  Wheelmen's  Association,  the  public  schools,  Ral- 
eigh Male  Academy,  North  Carolina  College  of  Agriculture, 
St.  Mary's  School  and  Peace  Institute,  and  students  of  the 
Institution  for  the  Deaf,  Dumb  and  the  Blind.  The  Governor 
and  other  State  officers,  Mayor  and  Aldermen  and  the  police 
and  fire  departments  were  especially  invited. 

In  recognition  of  the  blessings  of  Providence  and  in  grate- 
ful remembrance  thereof,  the  managers,  on  October  11, 
appointed  Messrs.  R.  S.  Tucker,  E.  McK.  Goodwin  and  J.  J. 
Hall,  D.  D.,  a  committee  to  wait  upon  the  pastors  of  the  sev- 
eral churches  and  request  them  to  hold  commemorative 
services  in  their  respective  congregations  on  Sunday, October 
16.  This  rec|uest  was  cheerfully  complied  with  wherever  it 
w^as  practicable,  and  the  solemn  sanction  of  religion  was 
given  to  the  people's  week  of  rejoicing. 

SERVICES    AT    THE    CHURCHES. 

At  the  First  Baptist  Church  the  Rev.  Dr.  J.  W.  Carter 
preached  from  Joshua  iv  :  6,  7,  in  reference  to  the  carrying  of 
a  stone  by  each  of  twelve  selected  men  through  the  waters 
of  the  miraculously-divided  Jordan,  the  twelve  stones  being 
set  in  a  lodging-place  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river  as 
memorial  stones  of  this  great  event.  He  alluded  to  the 
great  dates  of  1492,  1792  and  1892,  and  called  attention  to 
the  fact  that  the  centennial  anniversary  of  Raleigh  was  also 
the  centennial  of  the  first  Baptist  Foreign  Mission  Society, 
formed  in  Kettering,  England,  by  Carey,  Fuller,  and  others. 
He  drew  a  graphic  picture  of  Europe  four  hundred  years 
ago,  and  of  the  career  of  Columbus.  He  pointed  to  the 
Divine  Hand  in  human  history.  Strikingly  was  this  illus- 
trated in  the  voyage  of  Columbus,  who  was  sailing  for  the 
coast  of  North  Carolina  but  was  diverted  to  the  West  Indies 
by  the  flight  of  birds.  But  a  Spanish  settlement  of  our 
State  instead  of  its  English  origin  one  hundred  and  fifty 
years  later  would  have  greatly  changed  its  history,  and  pos- 
sibly that  of  the  Western  World.  "One  hundred  years  ago 
the  area  on  which  our  city  stands  was  a  forest.  The  grounds 
of  the  Capitol,  it  is  said,  formed  a  favorite  deer  stand.     The 


115 

State  had  then  about  400,000  inhabitants.  The  government 
had  no  settled  habitation — had  been  sometimes  at  Hillsboro, 
Newbern,  Halifax,  etc.  Commissioners  were  appointed,  and 
the  farm  of  Joel  Lane  was  selected  as  the  site  of  tlie  Capital. 
The  name  of  the  gifted  and  honorable  but  unfortunate  Ral- 
eigh, who  sent  the  first  expedition  to  North  Carolina,  was 
given  to  the  newly-organized  town.  A  statue  ought  to  be 
erected  to  the  memory  of  that  great  man  and  placed  in  the 
grounds  of  the  Capitol,  like  that  of  Washington.  The  prog- 
ress of  the  city  w^as  slow,  having  only  700  inhabitants  in 
fifteen  years.  But  it  is  now  steady,  and  we  have  great  reason 
to  rejoice  and  thank  God  for  the  churches  and  schools,  and 
for  the  good  men  and  women  to-day  in  our  midst." 

At  Edenton  Street  Methodist  Church  the  Rev.  J.  N.  Cole 
delivered  a  special  Centennial  sermon  to  a  very  large  con- 
course, upon  "  The  Heavenly  City  in  Analogy  and  Contrast 
with  Earthly  Cities."  Special  and  appropriate  music  was 
rendered,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Long,  President  of  Elon  College 
(Christian),  made  a  touching  and  eloquent  prayer. 

At  Central  Methodist  Church  Rev.  Dr.  J.  A.  Cuninggim 
invoked  the  blessings  of  God  for  the  coming  century,  and 
Rev.  J.  B.  Hurley,  the  pastor,  referred  to  the  growth  and 
prosperity  of  Raleigh,  the  many  attractions  it  possessed,  and 
prophesied  for  the  city  a  great  future. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Eugene  Daniel,  of  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church,  delivered  a  very  appropriate  address.  "  The  State  of 
North  Carolina,"  he  said,  "  should  be  justly  proud  of  her  his- 
tory before  and  during  the  Revolution.  Her  Mecklenburg 
Declaration  showed  the  first  spirit  of  independence,  and  the 
battle-field  of  Guilford  showed  the  determination  to  sustain 
the  Declaration  with  her  life-blood."  In  alluding  to  the 
early  days  of  Raleigh,  he  mentioned  that  in  1810  the  Rev. 
William  McPheeters  was  called  to  be  the  "Principal  of  the 
Academy  and  pastor  of  the  city,"  and  all  religious  services 
Tvere  held  in  the  Capitol,  conducted  by  the  "City  Pastor." 
In  1817  the  present  First  Presbyterian  Church  was  built, 
which  has  since  been  such  a  blessing  to  the  community. 
Raleigh  has  developed  into  all  that  goes  to  make  an  attract- 
ive and  delightful  modern  city,  and  should  be  the  pride  of 
the  State. 

At  Christ  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  in  the  absence  of 
Rev.  Dr.  M.  M.  Marshall,  the  Rector,  the  Rev.  Dr.  R.  B.  Sut- 
ton alluded  to  the  commemorations  of  the  municipality  and 
the  country  in  impressive  terms,  and  the  choir  rendered  the 
hymn,  "  God  Bless  our  Native  Land." 


116 

But  the  most  elaborate  observance  took  place  at  the  Cimrch 
of  the  Good  Shepheni  (Protestant  Episcopal).  The  morning 
service  commemorated  the  one  hundredth  anniver.-^ary  of  the 
consecration  on  American  soil  of  a  Bishop  of  ihe  Protectant 
Episcopal  Church.  The  service  at  night  was  in  observance 
of  the  Centennial  of  Raleigh  and  the  quadri-centennial  of 
the  landing  of  Columbus.  The  church  was  beautifully  deco- 
rated in  the  colors  of  the  city. 

Hon.  Chas.  M.  Busbee,  a  native  resident  (formerly  Grand 
Sire  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  as  such 
the  official  head  of  the  largest  benevolent  order  in  the  w^orld), 
made  an  address,  which  this  volume  can  only  represent  by 
extracts.  Breathing  the  living  regard  of  a  son  lor  his  mother, 
it  yet  represents  the  truly  conservative  spirit  of  the  wise 
fathers  of  the  past. 

'address    of    HON.    CHARLES    M.    BUSBEE.  * 

Ladies  and  Gentlemen:  I  did  not  feel  at  liberty  to 
decline  the  invitation  of  the  Rector  of  this  church  tendered 
me  a  day  or  so  ago,  to  be  present  this  evening  and  speak  to 
you  briefly  upon  this  interesting  occasion — this  beginning 
of  the  celebration  of  our  municipal  centenary — for  I  believe 
it  to  be  the  duty  of  each  and  all  of  us  b}^  word  and  effort  to 
do  what  lies  in  our  power  to  make  the  celebration  upon  which 
w^e  are  entering  worthy  of  ourselves  and  of  the  city  in  which 
we  live.  The  man  wdio  does  not  join  with  his  fellow-citizens. 
in  the  endeavor  to  make  the  event  memorable  in  the  annals 
of  the  city,  is  not  as  patriotic  and  as  valuable  a  citizen  as  he 
ought  to  be. 

It  is  eminently  proper  that  this  beginning  of  our  Centen- 
nial should  take  place  on  this  sacred  day  within  the  walls  of 
this  holy  temple.  To  the  Lord  God  of  ETosts  we  owe  what- 
ever measure  of  prosperity  and  happiness  that  has  come  to 
us,  as  a  community  or  as  individuals — for  underneath  all 
temporal  and  spiritual  blessings  are  the  everlasting  arms. 

"Except  the  Lord  build  the  house,  thev  labor  in  vain  that 
build  it." 

"Except  the  Lord  keep  the  city,  the  watchman  waketh  but 
in  vain  " 

He  has  shielded  from  storm  and  tempest,  from  fire  and  flood 
and  pestilence,  and  during  the  ever-recurring  years  He  has 
multiplied  to  us  His  bounteous  gifts  and  bestowfd  on  us 
without  ceasing  His  gracious  benefactions.     We  should  be 


117 

unworthy  of  His  continued  favor  if  we  did  not,  at  this  incep- 
tion of  our  thanksgiving,  kneel  in  His  presence,  and  with 
grateful  hearts,  declaring  our  abiding  faith  in  Him,  beseech 
Him  for  a  continuance  of  His  love  and  divine  protection. 

It  is  well  for  a  city  to  commemorate  its  centennial.  It 
would  be  without  excuse  or  justification,  if  this  prosperous 
and  progressive  city  did  not  show^  to  the  world  its  apprecia- 
tion of  the  fact  that  it  has  reached  its  hundredth  birth-day 
and  turned  into  its  second  century.  The  ceremonies  of  the 
coming  week  will  mark  an  epoch  in  our  history.  It  is  grati- 
fying to  see  that  all  the  patriotic  fervor  lying  dormant  in  our 
hearts  has  come  into  active  play,  and  our  people  of  all  classes 
and  conditions  are  moved  by  one  common  impulse  of  mu- 
nicipal pride  and  patriotism. 

The  citv  of  Raleigh  was  founded  and  incorporated  just 
one  hundred  years  ago.  It  was  located  as  the  Capital  of  the 
State  bv  a  legislative  majority  of  one,  and  subsequent  his- 
tory in'^this  instance,  even  if  it  does  not  in  all  instances,  has 
demonstrated  the  wise  foresight  of  the  legislative  will.  The 
city  was  named  in  honor  of  that  chivalrous  Englishman  who 
brightened  with  his  genius  and  adventure  the  famous  reign 
of  England's  virgin  queen.  The  city  is  well  named.  Our 
people  are  chivalrous  and  brave,  steadfast  and  enterprising; 
they  retain  that  manly  virtue,  not  so  prevalent  now  as  in 
other  davs,  of  supreme  devotion  to  woman,  that  knightly 
courtesv"^  which  is  of  right  their  due ;  ihey  are  patriotic, 
loving  the  soil  upon  which  they  daily  tread  ;  they  have  faith 
in  the  future  that  awaits  tlieir  city,  and  they  are  enterprising, 
willing  to  invest  their  fortunes  and  their  labors  in  its  advance- 
ment. They  have  inherited  from  their  fathers  the  virtues  of 
which  the  valorous  statesman  of  the  sixteenth  century,  whose 
name  the  city  perpetuates,  was  so  signal  an  exemplar. 

A  city  takes  its  character  from  the  people  who  possess  it. 
The  people  of  Raleigh  have  always  been  a  God-fearing  and 
God-serving  people.  Our  religious  development  and  influence 
has  ever  been  coextensive  with  the  material  growth  of  our 
city.  The  humble  beginning  was  a  small  Methodist  church 
on  Blount  street,  and  the  great  denomination  which  built 
the  first  church  in  Raleigh  has  grown  into  a  vast  religious 
power  for  the  spread  of  the  Kingdom  of  God.  The  other 
denominations  have  advanced  with  even  step,  in  numbers 
and  ever-increasing  influence,  with  a  common  purpose  and 
a  common  hope,  until  now  there  are  thirty  churches  in  our 
midst  from  which  the  gospel  of  the  living  God  is  preached— 
about  one  to  everv  five  hundred  of  our  population.     The 


118 

church  in  which  we  have  assembled  this  evening  illustrates 
the  increase.  It  has  now  more  communicants  than  its  mother 
church  had  not  many  years  ago  when  it  withdrew  and 
organized  a  new  parish.  And  to-day  the  churches  of  Raleigh 
are  full  of  zeal  and  the  spirit  of  the  Most  High  God,  and 
the  vital  truths  of  God's  Word  are  preached  by  faithful  men 
from  Sabbath  to  Sabbath  in  churches  that  do  not  tolerate 
the  private  ownership  of  any  part  of  the  house  of  God.  May 
I  not  quote  the  language  of  the  great  apostle  who,  speaking 
of  Tarsus,  said :  '*'  We  are  citizens  of  no  mean  city." 

The  city  of  Raleigh  is  notable  on  account  of  the  old 
families  that  remain.  Many  of  the  names  now  standing 
upon  the  tax-lists  are  the  names  that  were  there  one  hun- 
dred years  ago.  There  is  no  need  to  mention  them.  Some 
are  here  this  evening.  They  illustrate  in  their  lives  the 
sturdy  virtues  which  are  theirs  by  right  of  inheritance.  This 
city  will  never  lose  the  impelling  force  given  it  in  its  early 
years  by  those  pioneers  of  civilization  who  founded  it,  nor 
will  it  ever  lose  the  refining  influence  of  those  who  touched 
and  adorned  it  in  itsinfancy  with  the  grace  and  beauty  of  their 
characters — whose  sons  and  daughters  yet  live  amongst  us. 

And  yet  to  them  is  not  all  the  credit  due,  for  there  have 
come  into  our  midst  from  time  to  time  men  and  women  of 
other  counties  and  States  and  nations,  who  have  become  as 
truly  our  fellow-citizens  as  if  to  the  manor  born,  and  who 
have  equalled  those  of  native  birth  in  their  loyalty  to  the 
city  of  their  adoption  and  in  their  love  for  its  people,  its  tra- 
ditions and  its  welfare.  For  the  people  of  Raleigh  have 
always  welcomed  and  will  ever  welcome  the  worthy  stranger 
to  their  hearts  and  homes.  It  matters  not  from  whence  he 
comes,  what  his  faith  or  sect,  if  he  is  honest  and  industrious 
he  will  always  find  a  hearty  welcome  and  sympathy  and 
friends.         *  ^  *  ^  *  -sf  -x- 

There  is  one  thing  about  our  city  which  I  conceive  I  can 
safely  assert:  that  no  deserving  person  ever  lived  in  our 
midst  for  any  length  of  time  who  did  not  become  attached 
to  the  city  and  its  people,  and  who  if  compelled  to  move 
away  did  not  desire  to  return.  I  can  count  among  our  citi- 
zens many  who  at  some  period  of  their  lives,  thinking  to 
better  their  fortunes,  moved  away,  and  unable  to  resist  the 
spirit  that  incited  them,  returned,  and  were  glad  to  return. 
There  is  some  alluring  quality  in  the  air  of  Kaleigh,  filling 
it  with  an  indefinable  subtle  power,  that  when  you  once 
become  accustomed  to  it,  renders  it  the  most  delightful 
atmosphere  you  ever  breathed,  and  if  once  forsaken,  it  is 


119 

almost  impossible  to  resist  the  longing  that  comes  upon  you 
to  fill  your  lungs  with  it  again.  Perhaps  you  may  call  me 
extravagant  of  speech,  but  at  least  you  will  give  me  credit  for 
believing  what  I  say. 

I  believe  that  tlie  city  of  Raleigh  has  always  done  its  duty. 
It  has  ever  been  prompt  to  respond  to  appeals  for  sympathy 
and  aid  when  misfortune  has  come  to  other  communities, 
and  in  times  of  public  peril  it  has  never  shirked  the  per- 
formance of  its  natural  and  moral  obligations. 

It  sent  brave  men  into  the  service  of  their  country  in  1812, 
and  the  bones  of  its  sons  are  entombed  beneath  Mexican 
soil.  When  civil  war  divided  our  own  people,  no  city  in  the 
South  made  quicker  reply  to  the  call  of  the  State  or  sent  into 
the  Confederate  army  a  more  gallant  band  of  soldiers.  On 
many  a  bloody  field  they  proved  the  mettle  of  the  race  from 
which  they  sprung,  and  there  was  scarcely  a  battle-field  in 
A^irginia  that  was  not  watered  with  the  blood  of  some  Ral- 
eigh bo3\ 

No  city  in  all  the  land  sheltered  a  more  self-sacrificing 
band  of  women,  who,  without  murmur,  gave  their  husbands 
and  brothers  and  sons  to  a  cause  in  which  they  believed,  and 
who  bore  without  complaint  the  bitter  burden  of  those  who 
could  only  wait  for  the  end,  and  suff'er  while  they  kept  the 
faith;  and  yet  no  city  in  all  the  South  accepted  more  freely 
and  without  cavil  the  end  that  came  at  last,  and  more 
promptly  recognized  the  paramount  duty  of  those  who 
renewed  their  alliance  as  citizens  of  a  restored  Union,  never 
again  to  be  broken.  And  to-day  there  are  no  people  in  this 
land  of  ours  who  are  more  faithful  to  the  Government  as  it 
is  and  to  the  flag  which  is  the  symbol  of  its  power. 

Fortunate  it  is  for  us  that  we  have  never  had  a  boom. 
The  growth  of  the  city,  although  slow,  has  been  sure  and 
steadfast.  What  we  have  gained  we  hold.  We  are  a  con- 
servative people  and  go  safely  if  slow;ly.  We  have  builded 
upon  a  rock.  No  commercial  disaster  has  ever  wrecked  us. 
No  financial  storm  has  ever  overwhelmed  us. 

And  yet  our  progress  during  the  last  twenty  years  has 
been  noticeable.  We  have  substituted  w^ell-paved  streets  for 
country  roads,  and  bad  roads  at  that.  And  the  various  roads 
leading  into  the  cit}^  are  being  re-made  upon  scientific  prin- 
ciples. We  have  the  best  organized  and  best  operated  vol- 
unteer fire  department  in  the  United  States,  and  I  challenge 
any  city  in  the  Union  to  produce  firemen,  whether  profes- 
sional or  not,  who  can   eclipse  our  volunteer   firemen   in 


120 

bravery,  in  devotion  to  duty,  in  absolute  reliability  and  skil- 
ful endeavor.  We  have  a  system  of  water-works  furnishing 
as  plentiful  a  supply  of  pure  water  as  we  need.  We  have  a 
well- managed  electric  railway,  a  telephone  exchange,  and 
improvements  are  still  the  order  of  the  day.  Cotton  facto- 
ries, the  new  hotel  and  opera-house  cease  to  attract  attention. 
And,  above  all,  we  have  materially  enlarged  our  educational 
facilities.  We  are  a  city  of  churches  and  schools — a  city 
filled  with  the  hum  of  busy  industries — and  our  people  are 
united  and  conservative,  vigorous  and  enthusiastic,  law- 
abiding  and  safe,  and  they  are  proud  of  the  city  they  have 
built. 

We  propose  this  week  to  put  on  our  holiday  clothes,  the 
garments  of  mirth,  and  to  congratulate  ourselves  and  let  our 
neighbors  and  friends  join  in  the  congratulations  that  always 
attend  birth-days  duly  and  properly  celebrated.  It  is  our 
purpose  to  open  our  gates,  to  show  hospitality  to  the  stranger, 
to  banish  for  the  time  all  personal  and  political  controver- 
sies, to  forget  the  clashing  rivalries  of  business,  and  to  enjoy 
ourselves  as  a  patriotic  and  homogeneous  people. 

■H-  -^  ^  -^  -H-  -X-  -x-  -;<- 

And  let  us  take  withal  a  serious  view  of  it.  Let  us  deter- 
mine that  in  the  days  to  come,  so  far  as  we  are  able,  we  will 
keep  our  city  in  the  paths  of  virtue  and  morality  in  which 
our  fathers  trod.  Let  us  make  our  city,  in  the  language  of 
the  prophet  Isaiah,  "  a  crowning  city,  whose  traffickers  are  the 
honorable  of  the  earth." 

Let  us  remember  that  while  we  are  citizens  here,  we  are 
also  citizens  of  a  heavenly  kingdom  and  that  the  duties  and 
privileges  of  that  higher  and  better  citizenship  are  para- 
mount to  our  duties  and  privileges  here.  Let  us  go  forth 
into  the  coming  years  with  an  ever-enlarging  faith  in  God, 
ready  to  do  His  will,  and  knowing  that  that  city  and  that 
people  alone  are  safe  and  strong,  whose  God  is  the  Lord,  and 
who  walk  in  the  divine  and  radiant  light  of  His  countenance. 

President  Geo.  T.  Winston,  of  the  L^ni versify  of  North 
Carolina,  then  pronounced  the  commemorative  Columbian 
address.  After  a  philosophic  description  of  great  men  as  the 
gift  of  a  great  age,  and  a  tribute  to  the  genius  of  Columbus, 
he  reckoned  the  great  benefits  to  humanity  from  his  discov- 
ery as  follows:  1.  Room  for  the  development  of  the  energies 
awaking  in  Europe.  2.  The  full  expansion  of  the  Anglo- 
Saxon  race  by  the  occupancy  of  a  new  continent.     3.  The 


121 

civilization  and  Christianity  of  many  millions  of  Africans, 
through  a  mild  system  of  slavery.  4.  Progress  in  America 
inducing  progress  in  Europe  in  politics,  society  and  relig- 
ion.    Tlie  tilth,  and  last,  is  a[)pended  in  his  own  language: 

"  5.  It  has  shilted  the  centre  of  gravity  of  the  universe:  the 
Atlantic  has  supplanted  the  Mediterranean,  and  New  York 
is  the  heart  of  the  world.  Columbus  made  the  world  larger, 
but  it  has  steadily  grow^n  smaller.  The  voyage  that  he  made 
in  seventy  days  is  now  complete  in  only  six.  The  earth  is 
ribbed  with  steel  and  the  steam  horse  plows  through  the 
mountains.  The  electric  wire  girdles  the  globe.  Place  your 
ear  at  the  battery  and  hear  the  heart-beat  of  humanity.  The 
joys  and  sorrows  of  the  world  are  being  condensed.  All 
mankind  but  yesterday  wept  at  the  bedside  of  the  Poet  Lau- 
reate as  he  lay  dying.  Slowly  and  steadily  we  are  moving 
onward  to  grander  and  better  standards  of  life 

"  There  is  more  comfort,  more  knowledge,  and  less  disease 
than  ever  before.  Man  has  conquered  almost  everything  but 
himself.  The  humblest  laborer  rides  upon  the  thunderbolts 
of  Jove.  Jehovah  no  longer  speaks  in  the  lightning  and 
pestilence  and  famine;  and  man  is  sometimes  prone  to  for- 
get his  Maker.  But  in  the  silence  of  the  Sabbath  morning, 
when  the  bells  are  pealing  to  worship,  God  speaks  and  bids 
the  spindles  cease  humming  and  the  markets  cease  traffick- 
ing. Humanity  puts  aside  its  cares,  its  turinbil  and  ambi- 
tion and  listens  to  the  silent  voice  of  conscience  as  it  pro- 
claims: 'Be  still  and  know  that  I  am  God,  I  will  be  exalted 
among  the  nations,  I  will  be  exalted  in  the  earth.'" 

THE    CITY    IX    HOLIDAY    ATTIRE. 

On  the  next  day  the  business  establishments  and  resi- 
dences along  the  route  assigned  to  the  procession,  and  in 
other  sections,  were  decorated  with  many  rare  and  tasteful 
devices,  chiefly  in  the  oriole  and  red.  Nothing  so  complete 
and  so  beautiful  in  effect  had  ever  been  witnessed  in  our 
borders,.as  everyone  competed  wnth  his  neighbor  to  exhibit 
his  pride  and  love  for  the  City  of  Oaks.  In  the  language  of 
the  city  press,  "The  heavens  are  almost  obscured  in  the  gay 
glittering  weaves  of  color."  Across  Fayetteville  street  was 
suspended  bright  streamers,  with  a  mammoth  portrait  of  Sir 
Walter  Raleigh,  and  suitable  mottoes. 

The  great  day  of  the  celebration  dawned  bright  and  beau- 
tiful, and  its  coming  was  greeted  by  the  bells  of  all  the 
churches  and  the  whistles  of  the  factories  and  workshops. 
The  incoming  trains  had  brought  thousands  of  visitors  to 


122 

enjoy  the  day,  and  gradually  the  streets  were  filled  with  the 
largest  assemblage  ever  known  in  the  Capital  City.  At  an 
early  hour  the  thirteen  divisions  of  the  procession  formed  on 
the  several  streets  leading  to  Fayetteville  street,  from  the 
southern  extremit}^  of  which  the  parade  began. 

At  10  A.  M.  the  twenty-two  Field  Marshals  and  two  hun- 
dred and  twenty-two  Assistant  Marshals  met  Chief  Marshal 
J.  M.  Heck  at  the  north  gate  of  the  Capitol,  to  escort  the 
State  officers  to  their  position  in  the  procession.  Each  Mar- 
shal wore  a  sash  of  red  and  yellow,  and  his  horse  was 
caparisoned  with  housings  of  ttie  same  colors.  The  Field 
Marshals  in  charge  of  divisions  wore  also  a  white  rosette. 
As  they  proceeded  in  column  of  fours,  escorting  the  state 
carriages  to  place  at  the  foot  of  Fayetteville  street,  the  scene 
was  a  brilliant  prelude  to  the  events  of  the  day,  and  called 
out  the  cheers  of  thousands.  The  following  gentlemen  com- 
posed the  superb  bod}^  of  Marshals,  their  names  being 
recorded  in  the  order  of  the  signature  on  receipt  of  commis- 
sions. Each  commission  bore  the  seal  and  colors  of  the  city, 
by  special  resolution  of  the  Board  of  Aldermen. 

THE    MARSHALS. 

Chief  Marshal—Col.  John  M.  Heck. 

Field  Marshals — Alf.  A.  Thompson,  W.  S.  Prinn'ose,  Frank 
Stronach,  Thomas  Pescud,  James  McKee,  William  E.  Ash- 
ley, T.  B.  Moseley,  W.  C.  Stronach,  G.  E.  Leach,  William 
Bovlan,  Joseph  E.  Pogue,  E.  B.  Engelhard,  Henrv  Horton, 
John  Y.  MacRae,  R.  S.  Tucker,  F.  B.  Haywood,  N.  B. 
Broughton,  C.  B.  Denson,  A.  W.  Haywood,  Hugh  Morson, 
Charles  Earl  Johnson. 

Assistant  Marshals — Henry  D.  Blake,  Walter  Woollcott, 
John  R.  Ferrall,  Frank  P.  Haywood,  Jr.,  John  W.  Har- 
din, Jr.,  William  R.  Crawford,  Jr.,  Fred.  A.  Olds,  Graham 
Haywood,  W.  Deems  Smith,  William  E.  Shipp,  Middle- 
ton  T.  Leach,  J.  R.  Barkley,  J.  R.  Rankin,  Junius  B.  Tim- 
berlake,  J.  A.  Duncan,  John  C.  Drevvry,  A.  E.  C.  Lindsay, 
E.  L.  Fleming,  Jr.,  Maurice  Rosenthal,  J.  Pink  Wray,  J.  D. 
Turner,  Phil.  H.  Andrews,  James  C.  Dobbin,  Henry  E. 
Litchford,  T.  P.  Jerman,  Jr.,  William  J.  Saunders,  E.  D. 
Smith,  Carey  J.  Hunter,  AVilliam  H.  Martin,  H.  J.  Dowell, 
J.  Henry  Mahler,  E.  M.  Uzzell,  Thomas  S.  Stevenson,  J.  M. 
Broughton,  E  C.  Potter,  A.  J.  Williams,  R.  E.  Crawford, 
J.  J.  Dunn,  Frank  W.  Rovster,  C.  M.  Bretsch,  T.  L.  Eberhard, 
C.  B.  Wright,  John  B.  Kenney,  T.  T.  Hay,  J.  M.  Ayer,  K.  P. 
Battle,  Jr.,  S.  S.  Batchelor,  J.  D.  Boushall,  George  W.  Fowler, 
William  A.  Wvnne,  N.  W.  West,  W.  W.  Willson,  J.  C.  Baugh, 


123 

C.  W.  Newcomb,  R.  C.  Strong,  S.  T.  Smith,  G.  W.  Johnson, 
F.  K.  Ellington,  J.  C.  Pool,  H.  W.  Jackson,  B.  C.  Beckwith, 
R.  T.  Gray,  W.  H.  Bain,  R.  E.  Lumsden,  J.  F.  Ferrall,  J.  C. 
Birdsong,  J.  G.  Ball,  William  M.  Lambeth,  Ernest  Haywood, 
F.  H.  Cameron,  Jr.,  C.  N.  Dixon,  M.  B.  Barbee,  Thomas  A. 
Miller,  George  W.  Burgin,  L.  S.  EUison,  J.  J.  Whitehead, 
Alexander  Stronach,  R.  S.  Tucker,  W.  H.  Pace,  J.  W.  Cross, 
B.  W.  Hunter,  Ernest  P.  Maynard,  P.  H.  Hughes,  E.  E. 
Ellington,  J.  J.  Bernard,  Alf.  Jones,  J.  H.  Jones,  C.  B. 
Edwards,  Jr.,  H.  E.  Upchurch,  W.  F.  Myatt,  Cecil  G.  Stone, 
F  H.  Busbee,  J.  C.  S.  Lumsden,  D.  T.  Johnson,  J.  W.  Cobb, 
J.  H.  Parham,  N.  T.  Cobb,  W.  C.  Cram,  Thomas  Badger,  Jr., 
W.  P.  McGehee,  W.  E.  Renn,  B.  G^.  Cowper,  W.  J.  Ellington, 
J.  S.  Wynne,  S.  A.  Campbell,  T.  0.  Faucett,  Alston  Grimes, 
Fred.  a'^.  Watson,  S.  W.  Brewer,  F.  B.  Dancy,  Charles  J.  ISler- 
rimon,  G.  ^L  Allen,  A.  R.  D.  Johnson,  Ernest  B.  Bain,  D.  S. 
Hudgins,  Joseph  S.  Correll,  Alfred  Williams,  Jr.,  George  C. 
Heck,  C.  L.  Hinton,  W.  C.  Richardson,  A.  M.  Bobbitt,  B.  F. 
AVomble,  A.  W.  Kuox,  J.  C.  L.  Harris,  James  H.  Lawrence, 
Thomas  Loftin  Xovvell,  Horace  B.  Greason,  E.  A.  Jones, 
Sherwood  Haywood,  John  Stronach,  D.  D.  Upchurch,  Charles 
Dewey  Wildes,  C.  W.  Lewis,  L.  R.  Wyatt,  Ed.  Chambers 
Smith,  W.  A.  McClenahan,  Julius  Lewis,  C.  F.  Ford,  C.  G. 
Latta,  William  R.  Dicks,  A.  C.  Lehman,  George  H.  Snow, 
Thomas  H.  Briggs,  G.  M.  Spence,  W.  G.  Allen,  J.  K.  Mar- 
shall, A.  J.  Buffaloe,  M.  D.,  Hugh  Lee  Miller,  G.  E.  Iden, 
W.  F.  Bishop,  R.  A.  Cole,  J.  T.  Nottingham,  Charles  Ben. 
Park,  Charles  M.  Pritchett,  A.  H.  Green,  T.  P.  Devereux, 
Haywood  Guion  Dewev,  James  H.  Baker,  Alston  Perkins, 
James  S.  Moore,  E.  McK.  Goodwin,  John  D.  Briggs,  E.  R. 
Pace,  John  S.  Keith,  R.  A.  Coley,  Wallace  Riddick,  Powhatan 
Matthews,  AV.  F.  Harris,  Frank  Bell,  R.  L.  Hayes,  W.  L. 
Davis,  C.  C.  Williams,  Melvin  Andrews,  John  S.  Riddle, 
W.  W.  Whitson,  Edward  H.  Baker,  J.  N.  Holding,  Alex.  M. 
McPheeters,  Jr.,  Edgar  Haywood,  R.  H.  Bradley,  C.  Frank 
Massev,  George  Henry  Hill,  A.  E.  Glenn,  P.  T.  Myatt,  W.  S. 
Powell,  W.  B.  Mann,  G.  F.  Kennedy,  Cas.  A.  Riddle,  B.  S. 
Skinner,  L.  Wilder,  D.  Berwanger,  Thomas  N.  Richardson, 
J.  J.  Summerlin,  J.  M.  Proctor,  W.  G.  Randall,  R.  E.  L. 
Yates,  C.  F.  Lumsden,  Frank  Brannan,  H.  D.  Tucker,  V.  E. 
Turner,  J.  M.  Stephenson,  H.  A.  Bland,  T.  L.  Love,  H.  B. 
Battle,  N.  M.  Rand,  Peter  E.  Hines,  S.  A.  Ashe,  W.  R.  Tucker, 
J.  B.  Pearce,  J.  C.  Pool,  Henry  McKee  Tucker,  William 
Henry  Bagley,  John  M.  Heck,  Jr.,  Eugene  G.  Harrell,  S.  F. 
Telfair,  Hubert  Haywood,  Albert  Kramer. 


124 

THE    PROCESSIOX 

Occupied  one  hour  in  passing  a  given  point,  the  route  being 
up  Fayetteville  street,  around  the  east,  north  and  west  sides 
of  Capitol  Square  into  Hillsboro  street,  and  thence  into  the 
State  Fair  Grounds,  where  an  immense  concourse  awaited  its 
arrival. 

The  parade  moved  prompth^  at  11  a.  >r.,  headed  by  Chief 
Marshal  John  M.  Heck  and  his  staff  of  fifty  Marshals,  with 
a  platoon  of  the  city  police  in  front  commanded  by  Major 
Charles  Heartt,  Chief  of  Police,  mounted;  Adjutant  James 
McKee  and  Chief  of  Transportation  G.  E.  Leach  followed, 
and  then  Field  Marshal  A.  W.  Haywood  and  assistants  in 
charge  of  the  First  Division,  composed  of  the  State  officers  and 
the  Justices  of  the  Supreme  Court,  escorted  by  the  Governor's 
Guard,  sixty  strong,  Capt.  Jno.  W.  Cross,  with  a  fine  military 
band. 

The  Second  Division,  under  Field  Marshals  Chas.  E.  John- 
son and  Alf.  A.  Thompson,  with  assistants,  was  composed  of 
his  Honor  the  Mayor  and  the  City  Council  and  other  offi- 
cers, venerable  citizens  escorted  as  honorary  Marshals,  and 
guests  of  the  city  from  various  sections  of  this  and  other 
States,  officers  of  the  State  Agricultural  Society,  the  Bar  of 
Raleigh,  and  the  Academy  of  Medicine,  occupying  sixty 
carriages. 

The  Third  Division  was  under  command  of  Field  Marshals 
Rufus  S.  Tucker  and  Henry  Horton,  with  an  array  of  assist- 
ants. It  was  headed  by  a  superb  float,  representing  Sir  Wal- 
ter Raleigh  before  Queen  Ehzabeth.  Every  detail  was  per- 
fect. Two  paintings  in  oil,  each  fifteen  by  eight  feet,  exe- 
cuted by  the  distinguished  artist  W.  G.  Randall,  occupied 
the  sides  of  the  lofty  car,  and  on  the  rear  was  a  portrait  of 
Sir  Walter  Raleigh"^in  heroic  size.  I7nder  the  canopy  Queen 
Elizabeth  sat  in  regal  grace  and  dignity  (represented  by  Miss 
Lovie  Park),  while  her  ladies  in  waiting  were  exquisitely 
presented  in  the  beauty  of  Miss  Martha  Davis  and  Miss  Rosa 
BroughtoD,  and  Mr.  C.  B.  Edwards,  Jr.,  and  Mr.  Joseph  Wat- 
son were  respectively  Sir  Walter  Raleigh  and  Lord  Leicester. 
Messrs.  Randall  and  Fred.  Watson  were  congratulated  upon 
their  success  in  the  production  of  this  finished  and  artistic 
car.  It  was  drawn,  as  the  others,  by  a  team  of  the  finest 
.horses  in  our  region. 

Next  came  a  float  as  a  representation  of  the  scene  at  the 
reception  of  Lafayette  in  1825  by  Governor  Burton  of  this 
State.     This  was  the  largest  and*^most  lavishly  decorated  of 


125 

all  the  cars,  and  the  scene  includefi  a  faithful  personation  of 
Lafayette  and  Miss  Elizabeth  Hiywood  before  Canova's 
statue  of  Washington.  Ii  was  the  contribution  of  Messrs. 
W.  H.  ct  R.  S.  Tucker  &  Company. 

No  spectacle  possessed  more  historic  interest  than  the 
appearance  in  the  parade  of  a  fac  simile  in  every  respect  of 
the  old  "Tornado/'  the  first  locomotive  that  ever  reached 
Raleigh,  with  its  tender  and  freight  car.  The  News  and 
Observe}'  of  the  following  day  has  this  paragraph : 

The  Tornado  came  to  Raleigh  over  the  Ralei2:h  and  Gaston  Riilroad 
in  1840.  It  was  built  in  Richmond  in  1839  by  D.  J.  Burr  &  Compiny. 
Mr.  Albert  Johnson  was  then  Master  Mechanic  of  the  Raleigh  and  Gas- 
ton, and  yesterday  he  held  the  throttle  of  the  Tornado  in  the  procession. 
The  original  has  long  been  destroyed,  but  Mr.  Johnson  remembers  it  dis- 
tinctly, and  he  made  the  patterns  for  its  reproduction  in  wood  at  the 
Raleigh  and  Gaston  shops  here.  It  had  only  two  drive-wheels,  no  cow- 
catcher and  no  headlight.  The  engineer's  cab  was  without  protection, 
and  the  smoke-stack  was  high  and  old-fashioned.  The  engine  and  tender 
were  painted  green,  with  black  borders.  The  box-car  was  about  one- 
third  as  large  as  those  of  the  present.  The  whole  train  was  about  fifty 
feet  in  length,  and  was  one  of  the  most  interesting  sights  of  the  day. 

It  may  be  added  that  on  the  engine  with  Mr.  Johnson, 
the  oldest  living  locomotive  engineer,  was  Reuben  Cole,  the 
colored  fireman,  who  both  came  here  with  the  Tornado  fifty- 
two  years  ago,  and  are  still  in  the  same  company's  service. 
This  speaks  volumes  for  the  company,  for  our  city,  and  the 
kindly  relations  existing  between  the  races. 

The  division  was  closed  by  the  Odd  Fellows'  float,  displa}'- 
ing  the  scarlet,  white  and  blue,  surmounted  by  a  lofty  tent 
typifying  the  Encampment,  or  Patriarchal  branch,  by  its 
royal  purple.  Within  the  three  links  upon  the  base  were 
the  names  of  the  three  lodges  of  the  city,  Manteo,  Xo.  8;  Sea- 
ton  Giles,  No.  64,  and  Capital,  No.  147.  The  fly  of  the  tent 
bore  the  names  of  the  Encampments,  McKee,  No.  5,  and  Litch- 
ford.  No.  26.  Eight  knights  in  costume  represented  the 
Lodges  and  Encampments  and  displayed  the  city  colors.  Ban- 
ners of  white,  pink,  blue,  scarlet  and  purple  adorned  its 
angles,  and  in  front  hung  the  life-size,  oil  portrait  of  Chas. 
M.  Busbee,  of  this  city,  Past  Grand  8ire  Independent  Order 
of  Odd  Fellows  of  the  world.  This  was  executed  by  his  son, 
James  L.  Busbee.  In  the  rear  were  these  words:  "  Paid  for 
relief  in  1891 ,  §3,004,620.80."  "  Our  membership,  721,146." 
The  f  )llowing  committee  prepared  this  float:  Seaton  Gales, 
No.  64,  A.  M.  Powell,  P.  H.  Andrews,  B.  H.  Woodell ;  for 
Manteo,  No.  8,  G.  H.  Glas?,  W.  W.  Briggs,  A.  J.  Buff'aloe,  M.  D. 
The  following  Knights  took  part  in  the  personations  :  Messrs. 
Wilson,  Norwood,  McRarv,  Theim  (Jr.),  Wilder,  Phillips, 
Alford  and  Ball. 


126 

The  fourth  Division  was  commanded  by  Field  Marshals 
E.  B.  Engelhard  and  Jos.  E.  Pogue.  Probably  nothing  so 
illustrative  of  the  progress  of  the  firemen's  protective  art  has 
ever  been  seen  in  the  South.  Chief  Engineer  Engelhard  and 
Assistant  Chief  Ferrall  were  its  designers,  and  the  local  Board 
of  Underwriters  of  the  cit}^  contributed  liberally  to  its  pro- 
duction. This  grand  display  was  in  two  departments — the 
first  representing  the  old  means  of  protection  from  fire,  and 
the  second  the  modern  system.  The  place  of  honor  in  the 
first  was  held  by  a  float,  upon  which  was  exhibited  the  verita- 
ble fire-engine  imported  from  Europe  in  1784  for  the  use  of 
the  Moravian  town  of  Salem,  North  Carolina,  and  undoubt- 
edly the  oldest  existing  fire-engine  on  this  continent.  The 
venerable  T.  L.  Love,  now  one  of  our  largest  dealers  in 
tobacco,  had  charge  of  the  department,  being  ex-foreman 
of  Hook  and  Ladder  Company,  No.  1,  with  K.  H.  Bradley, 
ex-foreman  Rescue  Company,  and  following  the  Salem 
engine,  in  chronological  order,  came  the  Fayetteville  engine 
of  1820,  the  Victor  engine  of  1840,  the  Bucket  and  Ladder 
Company,  Single  Tank  Chemical,  old  Rescue  Hand  Reel, 
old  Victor  Hand  Reel,  old  Capital  Hand  Reel,  old  Indepen- 
dent Hand  Reel,  Victor  Racing  Reel  and  old  Rescue  Horse 
Reel. 

The  Second  or  Modern  Department,  under  immediate 
charge  of  Chief  Engelhard  and  Assistant  Ferrall,  comprised 
the  W.  R.  Womble  Hook  and  Ladder  Company  No.  1,  the 
Rescue  Steam  Fire  Engine,  Rescue  Hose  Wagon,  two-horse; 
Capital  Hose  Wagon,  No.  3,  two-horse ;  Victor  Hose  Reel, 
No.  2,  two-horse;  Double  Tank  Chemical  Engine,  two-horse. 

Next  in  line  was  the  float  of  the  Raleigh  Typographical 
Union,  fitted  with  cases  and  other  appliances,  and  exhibiting 
men  at  work.  A  part  of  one  of  the  oldest  presses  in  the 
Union  was  shown  on  the  float,  and  a  job  press  used  before 
the  war,  from  which  hand-bills  were  printed  and  thrown  to 
the  eager  crowds.  The  printer's  devil  was  rampant  in  glory, 
playing  about  the  eldest  of  the  craft,  while  the  Union,  No. 
54,  followed  to  the  number  of  fifty  or  more. 

The  Fifth  Division  exhibited  the  historic  renown  of  the 
brave  men  of  our  past,  and  was  most  significant  and  impress- 
ive. Field  Marshals  Wm.  S.  Primrose  and  Wm.  C.  Stron- 
ach  in  charge,  with  a  brilliant  staff  of  assistants.  The  first 
float  was  in  commemoration  of  the  services  of  citizens  of  Ral- 
eigh in  the  war  of  1812,  presenting  types  of  the  army  and 
navy  in  the  uniform  of  that  day,  and  exhibiting  many  mar- 
tial emblems.     Extracts  from  the  noted  message  of  the  War 


127 

Governor  to  the  Legislature  of  the  day,  (by  Governor  William^ 
Hawkins.)  adorned  the  car  in  large  letters,  and  within  sat  the 
following  prominent  citizens,  his  direct  descendants:  AV.  J. 
Hawkins,  A.  B.  Hawkins,  P.  H.  Andrews,  Colin  Hawkins 
and  Armistead  Jones.  This  lioat  was  unique  in  style  and  in 
the  finest  taste. 

The  war  with  Mexico  in  184()-'47  was  next  represented. 
Its  decorative  designs  were  adorned  by  the  names  of  distin- 
guished Carolinians  who  gave  up  their  lives  in  this  contest, 
and  four  veterans  of  that  conflict  yet  surviving  attended  it 
and  linked  those  davs  with  the  present :  Messrs.  M.  B.  Barbee, 
W.  H.  High,  W.  A.'^Lamb  and  H.  W.  Earp. 

Next  in  order  was  a  float  emblematic  of  the  great  war 
between  the  States  of  thirty  years  ago,  and  eight  brave  veter- 
ans of  Raleigh's  troops  in  the  Confederate  cause,  attired  in 
the  identical  gray  uniform  of  the  bloody  ^struggle  of  1861, 
were  saluted  with  reverence  as  they  passed  by. 

The  last  of  this  division  was  the  appropriate  float  of  South- 
ern peace  and  progress.  Its  snowy  canopy  hung  above  the 
Goddess  of  Peace  upon  her  throne,  in  spotless  white,  with  a 
golden  crown.  Miss  Susie  Tucker  filled  this  position,  and 
Misses  Red  ford,  AVilson,  Powell  and  Renn  were  the  repre- 
sentatives of  our  great  industries.  This  float  was  contributed 
by  WooUcott  6z  Sons,  and  bore  the  motto,-'"  Peace  hath  her 
Victories,  no  less  renowned  than  War.'" 

The  Sixth  Division  was  composed  wholly  of  the  students 
of  the  Raleigh  Male  Academy,  under  charge  of  Field  Mar- 
shals Hugh  Morson  and  C.  B.  Denson,  Principals  of  the 
institution,  and  the  following  Assistant  Marshals  from  the 
students,  whom  we  name  as  the  youngest  in  the  procession  : 
Messrs.  Wm.  H.  Bagley,  Jno.  M.  Heck,  Jr.,  Tiios.  H.  Briggs 
and  Benjamin  Hardy.  The  students  marched  one  hundred 
and -twenty-five  strong,  each  wearing  the  city  colors  and  a 
white  silk  badge  with  the  arms  of  the  city  (the  oak)  and  the 
inscription,  "  R.  M.  A.,  1792-1 892."  Remembering  the  high 
honors  its  graduates  have  won  in  the  colleges  and  universi- 
ties of  the  country,  they  were  enthusiastically  applauded 
along  the  route,  and  in  response  gave  the  school  slogan  with 
a  will. 

The  Seventh  Division  (Field  Marshals,  John  Y.  MacRae 
and  F.  J.  Haywood)  was  headed  by  the  filoat  of  the  Murphey 
Graded  Public  School,  which  represented  on  a  very  elaborate 
scale  a  reception  in  the  colonial  days  by  Miss  Esther  Wake, 
sister  of  the  wife  of  Governor  Tryon.  The  costumes  were 
modeled  from  those  of  the  days  of  British  rule,  and  many 


128 

were  veritable  antiques  from  the  last  century.  The  many 
bright  and  beautiful  faces  in  the  throng  will  never  be  for- 
gotten by  the  beholder.  The  credit  of  its  preparation  belongs 
to  Miss  Eliza  Pool  and  Professor  E.  P.  Moses. 

Then  came  the  float  of  the  city  druggists,  showing  the 
interior  of  a  drugstore  with  its  various  contents  and  fittings. 
The  names  of  the  members  then  in  the  profession  here  were 
given,  including  Messrs.  John  Y.  MacRae,  J.  I.  Johnson, 
Robert  Simpson,  James  McKimmon,  W.  H.  King  <k  Co.,  and 
J.  Hal.  Bobbitt.  The  prescription  counter  was  utilized  by 
pharmacists  compounding  and  filling  prescriptions. 

The  North  Carolina  College  of  Agriculture  and  Mechanic 
Arts  furnished  a  float  with  exhibits  from  the  departments  of 
agriculture,  horticulture,  chemistry  and  mechanics,  by  Pro- 
fessors Massey,  Irb}^  Withers  and  Piddick.  Farm  and  gar- 
den products,  greenhouse  plants,  farm  and  dairy  implements 
and  apparatus,  such  as  the  Babcock  Separator,  improved 
plows,  etc  ,  were  shown.  A  varied  exhibit  also  of  chemical 
furniture  and  philosophical  appliances,  such  as  retorts,  fur- 
naces, eudiometer,  air-pump,  microscope,  electrical  apparatus, 
surveyor's  instruments,  turning-lathe  (with  machinery  pro- 
pelled by  power  from  the  wheels  of  the  car),  blacksmith's 
tools,  and  specimens  in  wood,  iron  and  brass,  made  by  the 
students. 

Next  came  the  float  emblematic  of  the  oldest  paper  in 
the  city  and  the  leading  daily  in  the  State,  the  Xeics  and 
Observer,  edited  by  Capt.  Samuel  A.  Ashe.  The  throne  under 
the  gorgeous  canopy  of  city  colors  was  graced  by  a  group  of 
lovely  young  ladies,  surrounded  by  leading  members  of  the 
staff"  of  the  Keivs  and  Observer.  Misses  Stone,  Carter,  Murphy, 
Powell  and  Poberson  were  the  centre  of  all  eyes  upon  this 
admirable  car. 

The  Eighth  Division,  under  Field  Marshal  Thomas  Pescud, 
with  the  assistants  that  attended  every  section  of  the  pro- 
cession, was  headed  by  a  mercantile  float  of  J.  R.  Ferrall  & 
Co.,  crowded  with  an  array  of  fancy  groceries  tastefully 
arranged,  and  rendered  very  striking  by  the  humorous 
figures  in  masks  that  brought  forth  roars  of  laughter.  Its 
immense  weight  required  four  of  the  strongest  horses. 

Then  the  Raleigh  Bicycle  Club  varied  the  appearance  of 
the  line  by  following  in  single  file  in  rapid  serpentine  evolu- 
tions from  side  to  side — thirty  in  number,  with  wheels  like 
miniature  suns  shining  in  red  and  yellow,  and  taking  these 
movements  to  hold  their  place  in  the  slow-moving  parade. 
Messrs.  Will.  A.  Wynne  and  Cecil  G.  Stone  led  the  wheelmen. 


129 

Next  came  the  Moat  of  The  Slate  Chronicle,  with  its  print- 
ing array,  and  the  very  creditable  float  displayed  by  D.  T. 
Johnson,  with  a  full  line  of  staple  and  fancy  groceries. 

The  Ninth  Division  was  under  the  charge  of  Field  Mar- 
shal William  E.  Ashlev,  and  contained  the  floats  of  Messrs. 
T.  H.  Briggs  &  Son,  with  a  full  display  of  hardw^are  of  every 
description  and  household  furnishings;  of  E.  F.  Wyatt  & 
Son,  filled  with  specimens  of  harness  and  saddlery.  Then 
came  the  immense  exhibit  of  the  Raleigh  Cotton  Mills,  with 
spindles  and  looms,  and  a  pyramid  of  their  famous  produc- 
tions. The  float  of  Messrs.  Julius  Lewis  &  Co.,  with  thou- 
sands of  items  of  hardware;  and  the  float  of  the  steam 
laundry  of  L.  R.  Wyatt  lent  much  interest  to  this  important 
division  illustrative  of  our  industrial  progress. 

The  Tenth  Division,  under  Field  Marshal  N.  B.  Broughton, 
was  led  by  the  exhibit  from  Allen  e^  Cram's  foundry  and 
machine-shops.  One  item  of  much  attraction  was  an  engine 
fired  up,  with  w^histle  blowing  and  machinery  at  work. 
Messrs.  Ellington,  Royster  &  Co.,  builders,  presented  a 
carryall  of  rough  logs  drawn  by  mules,  and  in  a  second  sec- 
tion a  car  show^ing  finished  woods  of  great  beauty.  W.  C. 
McMackin,  the  supervisor  of  the  new  county  roads  building- 
near  the  city,  supplied  a  float  happily  des'gned  to  illustrate 
the  need  of  good  country  roads,  one  of  the  greatest  obstacles 
to  the  farmer's  success  in  this  day. 

The  Eleventh  Division,  under  Field  Marshal  Frank  Stron- 
ach,  was  illustrative  of  the  advancement  of  the  Negro,  upon 
the  especial  request  of  leading  colored  men  of  Raleigh,  who 
asked  the  Board  of  Managers  to  permit  their  race  to  cele- 
brate its  own  share  in  the  prosperity  of  the  city. 

Shaw  University  (for  the  colored  race)  has  450  students, 
some  of  whom  come  to  it  directly  from  the  Congo  Free  State 
in  Africa,  and  have  specimens  of  the  dress,  weapons,  furni- 
ture, tools,  etc.,  of  their  native  land.  Four  floats  exhibited, 
as  follows:  In  the  first  scene,  an  African  King  and  Queen, 
medicine  man,  villagers,  etc.;  in  the  second,  there  was  the 
next  stage  of  progress,  showing  the  Negro  farmer,  black- 
smith, carpenter,  shoemaker,  bricklayer,  painter,  stone-cutter, 
cook  and  waiter,  each  representative  being  taken  from  one  of 
these  classes.  In  the  third,  education  had  produced  the 
Negro  minister,  teacher,  doctor  and  merchant.  A  family 
group  was  also  shown,  and  the  whole  enlivened  by  jubilee 
singers.  Another  float  held  a  fine  display  of  industrial  work 
from  that  University. 


130 

The  Twelfth  Division,  with  Field  Marshal  William  Boylan, 
consisted  of  an  exhibit  of  farm  products  and  livestock  from 
the  farms  of  Maj.  R.  8.  Tucker,  near  the  city.  The  culti- 
vated bay,  shucks  and  straw  neatly  baled,  and  the  Oxford 
Down  sheep  and  Jersey  cattle  (of  pedigree)  were  of  especial 
interest  to  the  thousands  of  farmers  attending. 

The  Thirteenth  Division,  Field  Marshal  T.  B.  Moseley, 
consisted  of  Pawnee  Bill's  company  of  native  Indians  and 
cowboys,  mounted,  and  accompanied  by  the  third  brass 
band  in  the  procession. 

The  parade  moved  in  stately  order  up  Fayetteville  street, 
amid  the  waving  decorations  on  every  building  and  across 
the  broad  avenue,  and  greeted  by  the  fluttering  of  the  hand- 
kerchiefs of  fair  spectators,  it  was  welcomed  at  the  Capitol 
Square,  as  it  moved  in  order  around  it,  by  the  patriotic  song 
of  "The  Old  North  State  Forever"  from  the  lips  of  a  thou- 
sand children  of  the  city  public  schools,  massed  in  the 
Square. 

The  ladies  of  the  Confederate  Memorial  and  Monumental 
Association  had  been  invited  to  assemble  at  the  State  Agri- 
cultural Building  to  receive  a  marching  salute  in  passing, 
which  was  gallantly  performed,  and  the  same  repeated  in 
honor  of  the  young  ladies  of  Peace  Institute  and  Sl.  Mary's 
at  their  designated  points  of  rendezvous. 

At  the  line  of  the  city  limits  the  police  and  fire  depart 
ments  saluted  and  fell  out  of  ranks,  and  the  remainder  of 
the  immense  procession,  escorted  by  thousands  of  delighted 
people  on  either  side  and  behind,  proceeded  to  the  Fair 
Grounds,  where  a  great  assemblage  by  trains  from  all  sections 
of  the  State,  liad  gathered  to  enjoy  its  coming. 

After  the  march  around  the  track,  and  the  magnificent 
array  of  mounted  Marshals  had  gathered  about  the  Chief  at 
the  Judges'  Stand,  the  great  parade  was  dismissed. 

The  News  and  Observer  of  the  next  day  declared  of  the 
celebration — 

Yesterday  was  indeed  a  gala  day  for  Raleigh.  It  was  a  gratifying 
evidence  of  what  Raleigh  can  do  when  she  tries.  No  demonstration  ever 
before  made  in  North  Carolina  has  approached  it.  Whether  we  consider 
the  immense  crowd  of  spectators  w^ho  witnessed  the  procession,  or  the 
number  and  magnificence  of  the  floats,  or  the  brilliant  array  of  Marshals, 
the  sight  far  surpassed  the  expectations  and  hopes  of  those  engaged  in 
the  undertaking.  Fayetteville  street  gaily  decorated  throughout  its 
length,  from  turret  to  foundation  stone,  in  the  red  and  oriole  yellow  that 
blend  so  harmoniously,  presented  a  scene  remarkable  for  its  rich  pro- 
fusion of  coloring  and  variety  of  ornamentation.  And  when  the  mag- 
nificent corps  of  Marshals,  numbering  over  two  hundred,  adorned  with 
their  regalias,  marched  down  the  street  in  open  column  of  fours,  the 
sight  was  one  of  great  brilliancy. 


131 

But  the  climax  was  reached  when  the  procession  being  ready,  each 
division  of  Marshals,  followed  bv  the  floats  for  which  they  were  escorts, 
marched  again  in  line  to  the  Capitol,  and  around  Capitol  Square,  up 
Hillsboro  street,  th^  sidewalks  being  entirely  packed  by  spectators  and 
all  of  the  windows  and  balconies  being  enlivened  by  the  ladies  in  their 
holiday  attire. 

It  was  a  scene  to  make  one's  heart  beat  fast  with  high  elevation.  Ral- 
eigh was  celebrating  her  jubilee  in  royal  style,  and  patriotic  ardor 
responded  to  the  sentiment  of  the  occasion  and  all  were  joyful  and  jubi- 
lant. 

Well  done  for  our  good  old  city  I  All  praise  to  our  patriotic  and  esti- 
mable citizens  !  They  illustrated  their  pride  in  their  homes  by  provid- 
ing a  right  regal  birth-day  for  our  fair  City  of  Oaks,  and  in  doing  it  they 
did  all  things  well  and  left  nothing  undone. 

The  following  is  from  the  State  Chronicle  of  the  same  date: 

THE    CENTENNIAL. 

The  mile  mark  in  the  first  century  of  Raleigh's  history  was  passed  yes- 
terday. It  was  a  happy  day  for  our  city.  There  was  no  sighing  over 
the  past,  the  present  was  joyous  with  glad  faces  and  the  future  looked 
to  wath  fond  hopes. 

The  sun  rose  in  a  cloudless  sky.  As  he  streaked  the  morning  with 
gray  beams  his  coming  was  saluted  with  the  peals  of  church  bells,  as 
they  rang  out  upon  the  clear  air  the  notes  of  a  Christian  civilization. 

The  members  of  all  professions  in  our  midst  were  active  in  the  prepa- 
ration to  render  the  celebration  worthy  of  the  Capital  city  of  one  of  the 
original  thirteen  States. 

It  was  worthy  of  Raleigh,  her  noble  sons  and  beautiful  daughters,  and 
of  North  Carolina. 

With  pure  English  blood  on  both  sides  in  our  veins,  and  with  an 
ancestry  which,  for  a  hundred  years  have  known  no  home  but  North 
Carolina,  we  did  feel  a  pride  in  the  scope  and  character  of  the  celebration 
of  the  hundredth  birth-day  of  this  Anglo-Saxon  city.  And  so  long  as 
Anglo  Saxon  pride  and  spirit  remain  wiih  our  people,  there  will  be  no 
backward  step  in  the  grand  march  of  progress. 

Too  much  praise  cannot  be  said  in  behalf  of  Chief  Marshal  J.  M.  Heck. 
The  effects  of  his  zeal,  his  energy,  his  good  judgment,  his  tine  executive 
ability  were  seen  everywhere,  and  he  has,  as  he  merits,  the  thanks  and 
gratitude  of  all  for  the  admirable  programme  of  the  occasion,  the  sys- 
tem with  which  it  was  executed  and  the  perfect  success  that  obtained 
all  around. 

Everything  was  arranged  just  as  it  should  have  been,  and  carried  out 
as  it  should  have  been. 

The  Chronicle  congratulates  all,  and  Chief  Marshal  Heck  and  his 
worthy  associates  especially. 

May  there  be  many  happy  returns  of  the  day. 

THE    ADDRESS. 

At  7  P.  M.  the  Board  of  Managers  and  the  Marshals  assem- 
bled at  the  Mayor's  office,  and  with  the  band,  escorted  the 
orator,  Dr.  Kemp  P.  Battle,  and  reader  of  the  poem,  Capt.  C. 
B.  Denson,  to  the  Stronach  auditorium,  where  a  great  audi- 
ence had  assembled.  A  stage  holding  several  hundred  had 
been  erected,  and   the   hall  splendidly  decorated   with  the 


132 

colors  of  the  city.  Seats  were  reserved  for  venerable  citizens, 
guests  and  the  schools  of  the  city.  In  front  of  the  double 
semi-circle  of  Marshals  in  regalia  were  Mayor  Badger,  speak- 
ers of  the  evening  and  Chaplains  (Drs.  Skinner  and  Hali), 
the  Supreme  Court  and  other  distinguished  persons.  The 
-Mayor  presided,  and  announced  the  opening  prayer  by  Rev. 
Dr.  Thos.  Skinner,  who  referred  to  the  history  of  the  city,  to 
its  thirty  churches  for  fifteen  thousand  people,  its  many  social 
.privileges,  and  invoked  the  blessings  of  God  upon  our  people. 

Joseph  E.  Pogue,  Esq.,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on 
Programme,  introduced  m  graceful  and  complimentar}^  lan- 
guage Capt.  C.  B.  Denson,  of  the  Raleigh  Male  Academy, 
who  read  the  Centennial  Prize  Poem,  written  by  Miss  Mm- 
nie  May  Curtis,  of  Raleigh.  The  award  was  made  by  a  com- 
mittee ignorant  of  the  authorship  of  any  of  the  large  number 
submitted.  ,The  poem  was  received  with  much  enthusiastic 
applause. 

The  ''Old  North  State"'  was  sung  by  Miss  Alice  Dugger, 
accompanied  on  the  piano  by  Miss  Alice  Jones,  and  the  vast 
audience  joined  in  the  patriotic  chorus. 

Mayor  Badger,  as  chairman,  then  announced  that  Mr. 
AV.  S.  Primrose  would  now  introduce  the  historian  of  the 
Raleigh  Centennial. 

Mr.  Primrose,  in  presenting  the  distinguished  speaker, 
said; 

Mr.  Chairman,  Citizens  of  Raleigh,  and  Honored  Guests:  I  am 
proud  of  the  city  of  my  birth.  Raleigh  h^s  done  well  to-day  in  cele- 
brating her  one-hundredth  anniversary.  We  have  been  making  history 
for  an  liundred  years;  but  while  deeds  of  purest  patriotism  have  been 
performed,  while  deeds  of  valor  have  been  done,  the  people  have 
applauded  and  the  historian  has  slept. 

Now,  to  write  the  history  of  an  hundred  years  ago,  much  of  extra- 
nejus  matter  has  to  be  swept  away :  much  of  the  cherished  fancy  of  ''the 
oldest  citizen;"  much  of  pure  fiction  will  have  to  be  sifted.  Like  Mr. 
Boffin's  dust  piles  in  '•  Our  Mutual  Friend,"  much  earth  must  be  carted 
away  before  the  pure  metal  can  be  found. 

I  am  glad  to  know,  however,  that  during  the  past  ten  years  a  spirit  of 
active  research  and  investigation  of  historical  matter  has  arisen  among 
our  people.  A  number  of  our  best  citizens,  from  patriotic  motives,  have 
given  their  time  and  abilities  to  this  important  labor  of  love.  Foremost 
among  them  all  is  the  distinguished  gentleman  who  will  address  you 
this  evening. 

I  now  have  the  pleasure  and  honor  of  introducing  to  j(>u  the  Honora- 
ble Kemp  P.  Battle,  of  North  Carolina.     [Applause.] 

Hon.  Kemp  P.  Battle  then  pleasantly  acknowledged  the 
kindness  of  his  reception  and  the  success  of  the  celebration, 
and  proceeded  to  deliver  the  historic  oration  which  will  be 
found  in  these  pages. 


133 

Of  his  admirable  production  the  papers  of  the  day  said  : 

Dr.  Battle  spoke  for  nearly  two  hours  and  kept  his  audience  intensely 
interested  throughout.  His  remarks  were  interspersed  with  much 
pleasantry  in  regard  to  the  olden  time,  and  many  references  to  persons 
well  known  to  the  audience  by  tradition  or  otherwise  brought  frequent 
bursts  of  applause.     His  address  was  very  much  enjoyed. 

Rev.  Dr.  J.  J.  Hall  pronounced  the  benediction. 

FIREWORKS    AND    BALL. 

0:1  Wednesday  night  it  is  estimated  that  ten  thousand 
persons  gathered  about  Moore  Square  to  witness  the  display 
of  fireworks,  which  concluded  with  a  representation  on  a 
large  scale  of  tlie  State  Capitol. 

The  festivities  of  the  week  closed  on  Thqrsday  night  with 
the  Centennial  Ball,  under  the  direction  of  Messrs.  Charles 
E.  Johnson,  G.  W.  Blacknall,  James  Boylan,  E.  McK.  Good- 
win and  AV.  C.  Stronach,  committee. 

The  following  notice  is  from  the  cit}'  press: 

THE   CENTENNIAL  BALL — THE   MOST   MAGNIFICENT    SOCIAL   EVENT   OF   THE 
SEASON   IN   RALEIGH. 

The  centennial  ball  last  night  was,  like  the  other  features  of  the  week, 
a  great  success.  Stronach's  auditorium  was  elegantly  arranged  and 
decorated  for  the  occasion,  and  outside  of  the  ball  netting  were  hun- 
dreds of  delighted  spectators.  The  Newton  Band  furnished  the  prome- 
nade music  before  the  ball  took  place.  Dancing  began  promptly  at  9:30 
o'clock,  the  participants,  ladies  and  gentlemen,  being  dressed  in  the 
quaint  costumes  of  "ye  olden  time.'' 

The  following  participated  in  the  dance:  Misses  Heck,  Tucker,  Snow, 
Marshall,  Hicks.  Francis.  Carter.  Busbee.  Whitaker,  Hawkins.  Burwell, 
Sadie  Tucker,  Roberts,  Smith.  Kate  W.  Denson.  Mary  Denson,  Minnie 
Tucker.  Rena  Burwpll.  Anne  Basbee,  Carroll.  Pescud,  McMackin.  Higgs, 
Hinsdale,  McVea,  Katie  Haywood.  Henrietta  McVea,  Jackson,  Dortch, 
Stith,  Fuller,  Janet  Fuller.  Besson.  Andrews.  Bell,  Brown.  Hale, 
Badger,  Janet  Badger,  KateBidger,  Harris,  and  Haywood:  and  Messrs. 
Alexander  of  Chapel  Hill,  Branch  of  Wilson,  Privetc  of  Goldsboro, 
Leach  of  Lexington.  Phillips  of  Tarboro.  Davis  of  Ridge  way.  Jones 
of  Newborn,  Tomlinson  of  Durham,  Perkins  of  Washington,  Thomas 
Badger,  Jr..  F.  P.  Haywood,  Jr..  S.  J.  Hinsdale,  Jr..  S.  A.  Ashe, 
Jr..  Alex.  Stronach,  Jr.,  George  H.  Snow,  Jr.,  Alfred  Williams.  Jr., 
J.  C.  Prior,  Robards.  Howard  Thomas,  Whitaker.  Hardin,  Busbee,  Hun- 
ter, Pritchett,  Holderness,  Marshall,  Faison,  John  Stronach,  Meng, 
Reynolds,  Snow,  T.  C.  Denson.  Mebane,  White,  Turner,  Burgin,  Little, 
Smith,  Battle,  Micks.  Ingle,  Clem.  Wright,  Wise.  Whitaker,  Dr.  Ayer, 
Anderson.  McGee.  Martin,  Linehan,  A.  B.  Andrews.  Jr.,  Kennedy, 
Johnson.  Sherwood,  Faison.  Lieutenant  Shipp,  H.  L.  Miller,  C.  J.  Mer- 
rimon.  Higgs.  Brown,  Joe  Marshall,  Kenan,  Dobbin,  Patterson,  Graham, 
Eugene  G.  Denson,  Pemherton,  Grimes,  Whitaker,  Crews,  Gotten, 
Wright,  Pippen,  Cannon,  Ferrall,  Cameron. 


134 

rRESENTATION    TO    THE    CHIEF    MARSHAL. 

An  interesting  sequel  of  the  Centennial  Celebration  took 
place  on  the  evening  of  the  22d  of  February,  1893. 

The  Marshals  of  the  memorable  procession  determined  to 
present  to  Col.  John  M.  Heck  a  testimonial  of  their  appre- 
ciation of  his  admirable  management  of  the  occasion,  and  at 
a  meeting  held  for  the  purpose,  placed  their  contributions  in 
the  hands  of  the  following  committee:  Messrs.  C.  B.  Denson, 
W.  S.  Primrose,  G.  Edgar  Leach,  Thos.  R.  Kenan,  Joseph  G. 
Brown,  James  McKee,  M.  D.,  and  Jos.  E.  Pogue.  At  their 
order  an  exquisite  wassail-bowl  or  loving-cup  of  sterling 
silver  was  made,  large  in  size  and  with  the  double  handles 
peculiar  to  the  ancient  use  of  the  bowl  among  the  Scandina- 
vian peoples.  The  cup  bore  the  inscription,  "  Col.  J.  M. 
Heck,  Chief  Marshal.  From  the  Marshals  of  the  Raleigh 
Centennial,  October,  1892." 

The  22d  of  February,  the  birth-day  of  the  great  Virginian, 
was  selected  as  the  appropriate  day  for  the  presentation,  in 
compliment  to  Colonel  Heck's  nativity,  and  the  Committee, 
together  with  his  Honor  Mayor  Thomas  Badger,  Chairman 
of  the  Centennial  Board,  and  N.  B.  Broughton,  Secretar}^  of 
the  Marshals,  proceeded  to  the  residence  of  Colonel  Heck  at 
7:30  p.  M.  Greetings  having  been  interchanged,  the  Chair- 
man, Captain  Denson,  made  the  following  address: 

Colonel  Heck  :  It  is  my  high  privilege,  at  the  request 
of  the  Committee  of  Marshals  of  the  Centennial  Celebration 
of  the  city  of  Raleigh,  to  express  to  you  their  feelings  of  pro- 
found regard,  and  of  grateful  appreciation  of  your  services 
as  Chief  iMarshal  on  that  memorable  occasion. 

You,  sir,  accepted  that  charge  only  upon  their  urgent 
request,  and  its  laborious  duties,  requiring  many  days  of 
unwearied  attention  to  innumerable  details,  were  undertaken 
and  faultlessly  executed  by  you  in  a  spirit  of  unselfish  and 
lofty  patriotism. 

Your  co-workers  and  friends  felt  that  but  for  such  patient 
and  far-reaching  skill,  and  such  admirable  energy  in  action, 
that  brilliant  chapter  in  our  municipal  history  never  w^ould 
have  been  written  in  the  hearts  of  men  in  all  its  magnifi- 
cence. Therefore,  sir,  the  Marshals  in  whose  name  this  com- 
mittee speaks,  beg  to  tender  you  a  token  of  their  grateful 
recollection  of  this  conspicuous  public  service. 

You,  sir,  discovered  the  talisman  whose  touch  brought 
into  one  spirit  and  one  heart  the  entire  population  of  our 


135 

beautiful  Capital  upon  their  great  festival,  at  the  close  of  the 
first  hundred  years  of  life.  Rich  and  poor,  old  and  young, 
white  and  black,  friend  and  stranger,  all  for  the  time  being, 
felt  the  magnetic  touch  which  welded  all  hearts  for  the  most 
spontaneous  and  perfectly  harmonious  celebration  that  has 
ever  adorned  our  history. 

That  talisman  was  your  sympathy  with  and  consideration 
for  every  class  and  condition  of  your  fellow-men.  From  the 
admirable  suggestion  to  commemorate  a  century  of  honor- 
able progress  by  colors  to  be  worn  upon  every  man's  bosom, 
however  humble,  to  the  distinguished  courtesy  bestowed 
upon  the  venerable  fathers  of  our  city,  in  whatever  rank  of 
life,  and  regardless  of  the  accidents  of  fortune,  the  key-note 
came  from  you,  and  it  was  the  same  loving  and  generous 
remembrance  of  every  one  who  could  claim  a  home  and  an 
interest  in  the  City  of  Oaks. 

We  beg  you,  therefore,  in  memory  thereof,  to  accept  this 
loving-cup,  or  wassail-bowl,  fashioned  in  the  ancient  form 
of  the  vessel  that  in  the  halls  of  our  Anglo-Saxon  forefathers, 
circled  from  the  master  of  the  feast  to  his  humblest  vassal, 
that  every  lip  might  pledge  devotion  to  a  common  cause,  and 
one  bond  of  sympathetic  regard  unite  every  man  for  weal  or 
woe. 

Receive  it,  sir,  at  the  hands  of  the  representatives  of  your 
great  arraj^  of  Marshals,  given  as  a  slight  token  of  their  pro- 
found esteem,  and  their  conviction  of  the  great  public  service 
you  render  to  this  and  to  coming  generations  by  the  weld- 
ing of  the  people  of  Raleigh  into  one  harmonious  whole. 
May  the  memory  of  that  glorious  demonstration  abide  with 
them  always  in  the  fullness  of  its  lesson  of  brotherhood. 

And  as  the  years  glide  by,  and  the  brilliant  Centennial 
recedes  like  a  distant  star  upon  the  horizon  in  the  mists  of 
the  evening  of  life,  when  your  eye  shall  fall  upon  this  loving- 
cup  let  it  remind  you  that  to  the  brim  it  bore  the  invisible 
freightage  of  the  admiration  and  respect  of  your  fellow  citi- 
zens, proud  to  recognize  in  you  one  of  those  great  souls  of 
whom  poesy  declares  that  they 

"  Shed  noble  deeds  as  easily  as  an  oak 
Loosenth  its  golden  leaves  in  a  kindly  largess 
To  the  soil  it  grew  upon. 

Captain  Denson  presented  the  bowl,  and  Colonel  Heck 
replied  as  follows: 


136 

Mr.  Mayor  and  Gentlemen,  Fellow-Citizens  and 
Fellow-Marshals:  Allow  me  to  accept  this  magnificent 
present  and  these  flattering  words  as  the  measure  of  your 
generosity,  rather  than  an  acknowledgment  of  service  by  the 
recipient,  either  to  yourselves  or  to  the  city  we  delight  to 
honor  and  obey. 

I  am  not  sufficiently  schooled  in  the  language  we  speak 
to  find  words  that  will  convey  to  you  the  profound  gratitude 
that  wells  from  the  deepest  recesses  of  my  heart.  I  know 
that  men  honor  their  fellow-citizens,  but  not  often  after  this 
magnificent  fashion.  This  honor  unexpected,  but  not  unap- 
preciated, is  multiplied  a  hundred  fold  when  it  comes  from 
neighbors  and  fellow-workers  in  the  enterprise  to  celebrate 
the  history  of  the  Queen  of  our  hearts,  the  Capital  of  this 
great  State. 

Never  Avas  favor  bestowed  by  Elizabeth  upon  her  most 
faithful  subject,  Sir  Walter  Raleigh,  received  with  deeper 
gratitude  than  this  token  of  regard  through  the  honorable 
committee  that  represents  the  brave  and  gallant  band  of 
Marshals  that  directed  the  Centennial  of  the  City  of  Oaks. 

It  was  our  city's  whole  people  that  by  an  unselfish  and 
unanimous  effort  made  that  day  memorable  in  North  Caro- 
lina for  all  time.  Let  us  pledge  ourselves  in  this  "loving- 
cup"  which  that  patriotic  band  of  Marshals  through  you 
have  so  eloquently  presented  to  me.  Fledge  ourselves  and 
our  city  that  we  will  labor  together  continually  for  the 
advancement  of  Raleigh,  and  that  the  Centennial  organiza- 
tion will  maintain  itself  intact  until  it  shall  have  wrought 
a  lasting  memorial,  in  erecting  a  fitting  monument  to  the 
ideal  gentleman  whose  name  this  city  bears. 

Now  thanking  you,  one  and  all,  for  this  costly  and  precious 
gift,  the  outpouring  of  your  generous  good-will,  let  me  say 
that  the  desire  of  my  heart  is,  that  when  a  quarter  of  a  mil- 
lion citizens  of  this  goodly  Capital  shall  gather  together  at 
the  base  of  the  tall  shaft  erected  to  Sir  Walter  Raleigh  at  the 
celebration  of  a  second  Centennial,  that  the  sons  and  grand- 
sons of  that  goodly  company  may  be  foremost  in  the  ranks 
of  the  distinguished  citizens  of  that  day,  and  that  this  last- 
ing work  of  art  in  its  solid  silver  may  be  the  token  to  them 
of  the  courtesy  and  generosity  of  their  forefathers. 

After  the  feeling  and  eloquent  response  of  the  host  the 
party  sat  down  to  a  magnificent  dinner,  the  table  being 
exquisitely  decorated  in  Raleigh  colors,  which  were  likewise 
presented  to  each  guest  in  the  rarest  flowers,  and  the  even- 
ing that  passed  in  delightful  social  converse  will  never  be  for- 
gotten by  the  participants. 


137 

[From  the  News  and  Observer,  October  20,  1892.] 

We  rise  to  suggest  that  when  the  publication  of  Dr.  Battle's  address 
is  made,  that  the  volume  should  embrace  not  merely  the  prize  poem 
and  Centennial  address  and  Mr.  Busbee's  and  Dr.  Winston's  addresses, 
but  also  a  poem  offered  the  Committee  on  Poems  entitled  "  Raleigh's 
Dream,"  which  is  a  production  of  rare  power  and  high  order,  and  should 
be  incorporated  in  the  volume,  together  with  a  full  account  of  the  Cen- 
tennial Celebration. 

The  folio wiug  poem  from  the  pen  of  Col.  Alex.  Q.  Holla- 
day,  the  distinguished  President  of  the  North  Carolina  Col- 
lege of  Agriculture  and  Mechanic  Arts,  is  such  a  tribute  to 
the  memory  of  the  hero  whose  name  was  bestowed  upon 
our  Capital,  that  the  committee  of  award,  by  special  resolu- 
tion, requested  a  copy  of  the  same  for  the  commemorative 
volume,  and  for  preservation  in  the  literature  of  North  Caro- 
lina. C.  B    Denson, 

R.  H.  Battle, 
S.  A.  Ashe, 
W.  S,  Primrose, 
J.  J.  Hall,  D.  D., 
Committee  on  Award  of  Prize  Poem. 

THE  LAST  THOUGHTS  OP  SIR  WALTER  RALEIGH. 

Through  the  barred  casement  of  his  prison  w^all, 
In  that  great  louver  the  conqueror  buih. 
Sir  Walter  Raleigh  looked,  and  smiled  at  the  block, 
And  headsman  grim,  leaning  on  his  dumb  axes. 
And  while  he  gazed  his  thoughts  found  utterance: 
"I  have  drunk  life  to  the  lees;  all  earth  can  give 
Has  been  mine,  enjoyed,  suffered,  to  this  last. 
Much  have  I  seen  and  studied;  barbaric  men, 
Strange  deserts,  perilous  and  wind-scourged  seas. 
Cities  rare  and  gorgeous — chiefs  and  princes 
Have  hailed  me  brother  and  honored  peer. 
And  here  I  stand  a  gray-worn  broken  man, 
The  murdered  victim  of  an  ingrate  king, 
Who  shrinks  behind  his  craven  throne  and  dreams 
That  with  another  sun  he  shall  be  rid 
Forevermore  of  fallen  Raleigh's  scorn. 
But  James  shall  make  his  pigmy  boast  in  vain. 
My  breath  is  his  to  take  away,  but  not  my  life. 
He  cannot  blot  nor  blur  my  glorious  past. 
Nor  with  his  small  vindictive  envy  kill 
My  nobler  part  that  did  the  deeds  called  great, 
And  made  me  of  God's  chosen  spirits  here. 
9 


138 

He  cannot  shake  my  soul :  he  cannot  steal 

The  bright  jewel  of  peerless  Sidney's  heart, 

The  sweet  companionship  of  Spenser's  muse, 

The  high  commune  with  gentle  Shakespeare's  soul, 

The  trust  and  love  of  that  great  Virgin  Queen, 

Who  now  well  may  weep  o'er  England's  shame, 

To  see  this  pitiful  and  puny  worm 

Creeping  and  crawling  on  her  mighty  throne. 

His  petty  hate  cannot  kill  nor  long  delay 

The  work  that  grew  out  of  mine  own  heart, 

To  bring  forth  good  for  men  when  I  am  gone. 

Even  now  my  dying  eyes  look  out  beyond 

The  western  seas,  where  far  in  coming  time 

Shall  grow  a  commonwealth  planted  by  my  hand. 

A  fearless  folk  that  brooks  no  tyrant  king, 

But  in  its  own  majesty,  and  selt-made  laws, 

Shall  build  for  men  a  better  land  than  this — 

A  State  whose  sons  marching  ever  in  the  race 

Of  freedom's  fight  in  each  succeeding  age, 

Shall  lead  the  way  for  liberty  to  man  : 

A  State  whose  dames  supremely  pure  and  fair, 

Fit  mates  and  mothers  of  a  mighty  race, 

Shall  bring  to  the  shrine  of  triumphant  love 

The  flawless  pearl  of  perfect  womanhood 

^  ^  -x-  ^  *  ^ 

My  heart  is  light :  I  do  not  die  to-day  : 

I  put  off  my  flesh,  a  garment  all  worn  out. 

And  lay  it  down  with  things  unneeded  more; 

My  spirit  shall  pass  beyond  the  sunset. 

To  dwell  with  them  that  ow^e  their  State  to  me. 

In  a  fair  city  that  shall  bear  my  name, 

On  far  Carolina's  oak-crowned  hills. 

Whose  steadfast  love  of  right  and  all  things  good. 

Whose  noble  citizenship,  shall  rightly  show 

The  inspiring  power  of  Raleigh's  soul 

When  Raleigh's  bones  are  mouldered  into  dust; 

Whose  brave  and  gentle  hearts  and  kindly  hands, 

Whose  gracious  manners,  and  high-pitched  thought, 

Whose  pure  homes,  and  altars  duly  served, 

Honoring  God,  as  I  have  served  and  honored  Him, 

Shall  be  the  monument  of  my  deathless  fame. 


DIGEST  OF  LAWS  RELATING  TO  RALEIGH. 


LAWS  OF  1770,  CHAPTER  XXII. 

An  Act  for  erecting  part  of  Johnston,  Cumberland  and  Orange  Counties  into  a 
separate  and  distinct  County  by  the  name  of  Wake  County  and  St.  Marga- 
ret's Parish. 

Section  I  recites  that  the  large  extent  of  said  counties 
renders  it  burdensome  to  attend  the  courts,  general  musters, 
and  other  public  meetings. 

Sec.  IL  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Governor,  Council  and  Assem- 
bly, and  by  the  authority  of  the  same,  that  after  the  12th 
March,  1771,  the  said  county  be  divided  by  the  following 
lines  (as  given  in  the  text  of  the  address). 

Sec.  111.  Courts  to  be  held  on  the  first  Tuesdays  in  March, 
June,  September  and  December. 

Sec.  IV  provides  for  the  old  Sheriff  collecting  arrears  of 
taxes. 

Sec.  V.  Johnston  County  to  be  in  Newbern  and  Wake  in 
Hillsborough  Districts. 

Sec.  VI.  Sheriff  of  Wake  to  account  to  the  Southern  Treas- 
urer. 

Sec.  VII.  Commissioners  appointed  to  se^hct  site  of  court- 
house, etc ,  to  erect  buildings,  etc.  (as  stated  in  the  text). 

Sec.  VIII.  Justices  of  the  Inferior  Courts  to  levy  tax  to 
reimburse  the  Commissioners  for  their  expenditures  in  carry- 
ing out  provisions  of  Section  VI L 

Sec.  IX  Justices  of  Johnston  County  to  try  causes  already 
on  docket. 

Sec.  X.  Johnston  to  appoint  four  and  Wake  six  jurors  to 
attend  the  Court  of  the  District. 

Sec.  XI.  Only  six  jurors  from  Dobbs  County. 

Sec.  XII.  The  Vestry  of  the  Parish  of  St  Stephen's,  in 
Johnston  County,  to  be  dissolved. 

Sec.  XIII.  The  Freeholders  of  St.  Margaret's  to  select 
twelve  Vestrymen,  and  those  of  St.  Stephen's  to  select  twelve. 

Sec.  XIV.  Appoints  Joel  Lane,  John  Smith,  Theophilus 
Hunter,  Farquard  Campbell  and  Walter  Gibson  to  run 
dividing  line  between  Johnston  and  Wake. 

Sec.  XV.  The  Inferior  Courts  shall  levy  taxes  for  same. 

Sec.  XVI.  The  Royal  Prerogative  of  Incorporation  not  to 
be  deemed  impaired  by  this  act. 


140 

LAWS  OF  1 79 1,  CHAPTER  VI. 

Act  to  carry  into  effect  the  Ordinance  of  the  Convention  held  at  Hillsborough  in 
July,  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty. eight,  entitled  "An  Ordinance 
for  estahlishing  a  place  for  holding  the  future  meetings  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly, and  the  place  of  residence  of  the  Chief  Officers  of  the  State." 

Section  1.  Provides  for  electing  nine  persons  by  ballot  of 
both  Houses —one  from  each  District;  a  majority  to  select 
the  site  within  the  ten-miles  limit,  and  to  purchase  not  less 
than  six  hundred  and  fortv  nor  more  than  one  thousand  acres 
and  pay  for  the  same  by  drafts  on  the  State  Treasurer;  to  lay 
off  a  town  not  less  than  four  hundred  acres,  one-acre  lots, 
main  streets  99  feet  and  the  others  66  feet  wide;  to  allot 
twenty  acres  or  more  for  State-house,  etc.;  to  sell  and  con- 
vey lots. 

Sec.  2.  Five  other  persons  to  erect  a  State-house  out  of 
proceeds  of  sale  of  lots,  not  to  excee  1  £10,000  ($20,000); 
Commissioners  allowed  twenty  shillings  ($2)  per  day  and 
expenses. 

Sec.  3.  The  place  selected  to  be  "the  seat  of  government 
and  the  unalterable  place  of  holding  the  future  Assemblies 
of  this  State,  and  the  place  of  residence  of  the  chief  officers 
of  the  State." 


LAWS  OF  1792,  CHAPTER  XIV. 

Act  to  confirm  the  Proceedings  of  the  Commissioners  appointed  under  an  Act  of 
the  last  General  Assembly,  entitled  "  An  Act  to  carry  into  effect  the  Ordi- 
nance of  the  Convention  held  at  Hillsborough  in  July,  1788,  entititled  an 
Ordinance  for  estiblishing  a  place  for  holding  the  future  meetings  of  the 
General  Assembly,  and  the  place  of  residence  of  the  Chief  Officers  of  the 
State." 

Preamble  recites  that  a  majority  of  the  Commissioners — 
Frederick  Hargett,  WiUie  Jones,  Joseph  McDowell,  Thomas 
Blount,  William  Johnston  Dawson  and  James  Martin — on 
4th  April,  1792,  purchased  of  Joel  Lane,  by  deed,  date  April 
5,  1792,  one  thousand  acres  of  land  at  Wake  County  Court- 
house, and  laid  off  a  plan  of  a  city  of  four  hundred  acres, 
comprehending,  besides  streets,  276  lots  of  one  acre  each. 

Section  1.  Confirms  report  of  the  Commissioners. 

Sec.  2.  Plan  of  the  city  ratified  and  ordered  to  be  recorded 
in  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State. 

Sec.  3.  Names  of  Caswell,  Burke,  Nash  and  Moore  public 
squares  ratified. 

Sec.  4.  As  soon  as  the  State-house,  in  Union  Square  in  the 
the  city  of  Raleigh,  is  finished,  the  General  Assembly  shall 


141 

adjourn  there,  and  the  Treasurer,  Secretary  of  State  and 
Comptroller  shall  hold  their  offices  in  said  city,  which  shall 
thenceforward  he '"the  permanent  and  unalterable  seat  of 
government  of  North  Carolina  and  the  place  of  residence  of 
the  chief  officer^s  of  the  State." 


Act  for  the  regulation  of  the  City  of  Raleigh.     Ratified  February  7,  1795. 

Skction  I.  Seven  Commissioners  appointed  (named  in 
the  address)  and  made  a  body  politic.  Authorized  to  enact 
ordinances  for  government  of  tlie  city.  Election  to  fill 
vacancies  to  be  held  by  the  Sheriff  of  the  county. 

Sec.  II.  Commissioners  to  elect  an  Intendant  to  enforce 
the  ordinances. 

Sec.  II.  Qualifications  of  Commissioners  and  voters  pre- 
scribed. 

Sec.  III.  Treasurer  to  be  elected  for  one  year  by  Commis- 
sioners. 

Sec.  IV.  Also  Clerk  during  good  behavior. 

Sec.  V.  Tax  not  over  five  shillings  on  £100  of  taxable 
property  (fifty  cents  on  §200). 

Sec  VI.  Provides  for  listing  property. 

Sec.  VII.  Encroachments  on  streets  regulated  by  Com- 
missioners; to  be  taxed. 

Sec.  VIII.  Intendant  and  Commissioners  to  protect  tim- 
ber on  public  property. 

Sec.  IX.  This  act  to  be  in  force  until  January  1,  1797. 

By  act  of  February  21,  1797,  the  foregoing  act  was  con- 
tinued indefinitel}^ 

By  act  of  December  18,  1801,  three  more  Commissioners 
were  added  (named  in  the  address). 

LAWS  OF  1832,  CHAPTER  III. 

Act  making  an  appropriation  and  appointing  Commissioners  for  the  rebuilding 
of  the  Capitol,  in  the  City  of  Raleigh. 

Section  I.  Appropriates  $50,000 

Sec.  II.  Commissioners  appointed  (as  stated  in  the  address). 

Sec.  III.  Plan  of  building:  lower  story,  at  least,  of  stone; 
roof  covered  with  zinc,  or  other  fire-proof  material. 

Sec.  IV.  Authorizes  stone  from  the  State  quarry. 

Sec.%V.  Commissioners  may  pay  the  undertaker  from  time 
to  time  by  warrants  on  the  Public  Treasurer. 

Sec.  VI.  Commissioners  may  appoint  an  architect. 


I  NDKX, 


Address  of  Kemp  P.  Battle,  LL  D.  I 
Address  of  Hon.  Charles  m'.  liusbee  116 
Atldressoi  President  G.T.  Winston,  120 

Aldermen.  Board  ot 106 

Ashe,  John  Baptist 33 

Ashe,  Samuel ...     o3 

Assistant  Marshals 122 

AtKins,   Rodman 62 

B. 

Badger.  Mayor  Thomas 132 

Baker,  Blake 78 

Ball,  Centennial  133 

Banking  Facilities 100 

Baptist  Grove 6.5 

Barringer,  David  L 60 

Barringer,  D.  M.  60 

Battle,  Kemp  P.,  LL.  D.,  address  of      1 

Battle,  Rev.  Amos  J 65 

Benehan.  Richard 19 

Bevers,  Feudal 31 

Biographies  of  Commissioners  for 

locating  capitol 25 

Blake,  John  C 32 

Blo(jd worth.  James 27 

Bloomsburg  iSquare  12 

Blount,  xMrs.  Mary  iSumner 26 

Blount,  John  Gniv 26 

Blount,  Willie 26 

Blount,  Thomas 26 

Board  of  Aldermen 106 

Board  of  Managers,  Committees  of 

the 107 

Board  of  Managers  of  the  Raleigh 

Centennial 106 

Bond.  Southev 61 

Boylan,  Willianj -10 

Bragg,  Col.  Thomas 41    : 

Brickell,  Benjamin      63    i 

Briggs,  John  J.  .     ..  60    ' 

Briggs.  Thomas  H 60    ! 

Bro.>kside  Park 96    i 

Brown   Peter oo    '■ 

Bryan,   Nathan 19    I 

Bryan,  Lovett -     22    I 

Burge-ss,  A.  8 66    I 

Burke  tSqua re ..     24 

Burning  of  the  State  House  37    | 

Busbee,  Hon.  Charles  M.,  address  of  116    | 


Cabarrus,  Stephen 28 

Cain,  William 19 

Cameron,  Judge  Duncan 35 

Campbell,  Far(4uard 19 

Campbell,  John  A 19 

Cannon,  Robert 32 

Canova's  Statue  of  Washington 36 

Capital  city,  plan  of  the 30 

Capital  of  Xorth  Carolina,  the  first 

temporary 13 

Capital,  location  of 20 

Capital,  movement  for  a  permanent  14 

Capital,  plan  of  the  city 24 

Capital,  permanentjsite  of  and  price 

of  land 23 

Capital,  sites  voted  on  for 93 

Capital,  tracts  offered  for  site  of 21 


PAGTE. 

Capiiol,  building  the  new  .  9» 

Capitol  or  Union  Square Si 

Ciisso's  Tavern 4.> 

Caswell  Square 4 

Celebratl»>n,  the  Centennial 10t> 

Cemetery,  City 97 

Cemetery,  Confederate  V*T 

Cemetery,  Hebrew  _.  97 

Cemetery,  Mt.  Hope 97 

Cemetery,  National 97 

Cemetery,  Oak  wood 97 

Centennial   ball 13;^ 

Centennial  celebration 106 

Centennial  procession 124 

Charities 103 

Chief  Marshal 122 

Chief  Marshal,  presentation  to 134 

Christmas,  William 24 

Churches 99 

Churches.  Centennial  servicesat  the  114 

City  fathers,  the  first 49 

City  indebtedness 101 

City,  plan  of  the 24 

Cogswell,  Dr.  Joseph  G 70 

Colonial  days,  seat  of  government 

of  North  Carolina  in 12 

Columbian  address,  President  Geo. 

T.  Winston 120 

Coman,  James 61 

Commissioners  of  location 19 

Commissioners  for  locating  capital, 

biographies  of ._  25 

Committee  of  Publication,  resolu- 
tions of 5 

Committee  for  building  Capitol 19 

Committee  of  Board  of  Managers—  107 

Cooke.  Mark 61 

Cotton  factories iOl 

Cotton  market 102 

Court  scenes  in  the  past 77 

Craven,  John 51 

Crawford.  Thomas 22 

Culiura.  Robert----         61 

Curtis.  Miss  Minnie  May,  Prize  Cen- 
tennial Poem  bj" 6 

D. 

Daniel,  Charles 67 

Daniel,  Elder  Robert  T 65 

Daniel.  Gen.  Beverly 61 

iJavie,  Gen.  William  Richardson  ..  2S 

Dawson.  William  Johnston 27 

Dean,  Hardy -.   22 

Denson,  Capt.  C.  B.;  Account  of  Cen- 
tennial Celebration 106 

Description  of  the  new  Capitol 41 

Detaigney,  Rev.  Marin 67 

Dickson,  Joseph 18 

Digest  of  Laws  relating  to  Raleigh.  139 

Drummond,  W.  S 41 

Duels  in  the  palst 79 

E. 

Eagle  Hotel 45 

Early  Churches 64 

Early  History  of  Raleigh,  address 

on 1 

Elliott,  Rev.  Charles  P « 66 

Emons,  Thomas 64 

Ezell,  John 22 


14^ 


T.  PAGE. 

Facllitres,  banking 100 

J^^acloiies,  CDttoii    lOi 

Fuyetlevilln  desires  seaX  of  capital.  18 

Fires  in  tlie  past  48 

Fire  Dopailment     100 

File  engine,  the  first  bought 48 

Fireworks     •-__   l:>3 

Kourih  of  July  celebrations  in   the 

past. 8J 

Fowie,  Grovernor  Daniel  G 32 

Freeman,  PCclward  B. OH 

Freeman,  llev.  George  W «j6 

G. 

Oales,  Joseph o2 

Gales's  printing  office  4(j 

Gale-,  Sealon 5i 

Gales,  Weston  Raleigh 55 

Gallows  Hill 78 

Gaulier,  Jos<^pli  R 17 

Geddy,  Miss  Betsy 7) 

•Glasgow  Frauds    .^8 

-Glendenning,  William ()4 

Goodloe,  Col.  Green  Clay 20 

Goodloe,  Robert 19 

Goodwin,  Samuel (io 

Gorman,  Henry 61 

Government,  the  first  city -13 

Governors  reception 74 

Grant,  James    70 

Green,  Rev    William  M. 6ti 

Growth  of  the  city  of  Raleigh 45 

H, 

Hale,  Edward  J 88 

Hall,  Rev.  James 84 

Hall,  Rev.  Dr.  J.  J.     13::i 

Harper,  Robert  Goodloe 20 

Hargett,  hrederic-k 2tj 

Harrington,  Henry  William 28 

Harris,  Edward 78 

Hawkins,  Governor  William 84 

Hawkins.  Wyatt 19 

Haywood,  John— the  Judge 49 

Haywood,  John— the  Treasurer 49 

Haywood,  John  Pugh 32 

Haywood,  Sherwood 60 

Haywood,  Stephen   60 

Haywood,  Col.  William 49 

Haywood,  William  Dallas 51 

Haywtiod,  William  Henry 6o 

Haywood,  William  H.,  Jr {)6 

Heallhfulness  of  Raleigh 96 

Heckletield,  Captain  John 13 

Henderson's  Cavalry   84 

Henderson,  James.  66 

Henderson,  Thomas 60 

Henrv,  Louis  D 39 

Hill,  William    52 

Hi ll-.borough  Convention  of  1788—-  15 

Hines,  Thomas    11 

Hinton,  Charles  L. 41 

Hinton,  John 22 

Hinton,  Kimbrough  22 

Hodge,  Abraham 55 

Hodge,  Madison  C 22 

Hodge,  Joseph  .- 19 

Holmes.  Gabriel  33 

Hunter,  Isaac— plantation  of 15 

Hunter,  Theophilus 21 


Indebtedness  of  the  city 101 

Improvements  in  Raleigh 91 

Indian  Queen  Tavern 45 


J.  I'AGR. 

Jeffreys,  William  22 

Johnson,  Albert  — 32 

Johnson,  Andrew ^_   61 

Johnson,  Jacob    60 

Johnson,  John  W 31 

Johnston.  Governor  Gabriel----. 13 

Jones,  •  apiain  Alfred 60 

Jones.  Dr.  Calvin 52 

Jones,  Edward .__  19 

Jones,  Nathaniel 22 

Jones,  Redding 68 

J()nes,  Willie —  19 

K. 
King,  Benjamin  S. 61 

L. 

LaP\iyette.  Marquis  De 37 

LaFayette's  visit  to  Raleigh •  87 

Lane,   Henry   21 

Lane,  Jesse 28 

Lane,  Joel 21 

Lane,  Joseph  U 

Lash,  Samuel 48 

Laws  relating  to  Raleigh,  Digest  of  139 

Lenoir,  Wiilianx 28 

Literary  center 103 

Location,  Commissioners  of 19 

Lock,   Matthew 19 

Lot  sales  of  1^13  in  Raleigh 34 

Lot  sales  of  1819  in  Raleigh 35 

Lovejoy,  .Jefferson  Madison 71 

Lucas,    .Alexander ^ 60 

Lucas,  George 19 

Lucas,  Henderson  81 

Lulterloh,  Henry  E 19 

M. 

Macon.  John 19,61 

Mails  and  travelers  in  the  past 80 

Mangum,  Willie  P 81 

Manlv,   Gov.  Charles 32 

Market,   Cotton 102 

Market,  Tobacco 102 

Marling,  Jacob -  66 

Mares,  James 44 

Marshals,  Centennial 122 

Marshall,  John 52 

Martin,  Gov.  Alexander— 24 

Martin,  .James 26 

Martin,  Nathaniel 26 

Masonic  Fraternity  61 

:McDowell,  Gen.  Charles 27 

McDowell,  Col.  Joseph,  Sr 27 

McDowell,  Capt.  Joseph,  Jr 27 

McKee,  James 61 

McKeelhan,  Dugald 44 

McPheeters,  Dr.  William 64 

Mebane,   Alexander 19 

.Mebane,  James  63 

Mhoon,  William  S 40 

Moore,  .Alfred  24 

Moore  Square 24 

Mordeeai,  George  W 97 

Mordecai,  Moses 28 

Movements  for  a  permanent  capital    14 

N. 

Nash  Square 24 

Newbern,  seat  of  goverraent  at 13 

New  Capitol,  description  of  the 41 

Newspapers  in  the  past 88 

News  and  Observer 103 

Nichols,  Capt.  William 38 

North  Carolina,  State  Bank  of 62 


144 


P.  PAGK. 

Page,  Rufus  H 52 

Pain,  John 44 

Parish,  Charles 68 

Park,  Brookside 96 

Park,  Pullen 96 

"  Pastor  of  the  City" 64 

Paton,  David 41 

Patterson,  Samuel  F 41 

Peace  Institute 70 

Peace,  Joseph 57 

Peace,  William 32 

Person,  Thomas 27 

Plan  of  the  capital  city 30 

Polk.  Bishop  Leonidas 51 

Polk,  Col.  Thomas 87 

Polk,  Col.  William 50 

Potterfield.  James 19 

Porter.  Henry 62 

Powell,  Dempsy 22 

Presentation  to  the  Chief  Marshal—  134 

Prices  in  the  past 81 

Primrose,  W.  S 132 

Procession,  Centennial 124 

Public  amusements  in  the  past 77 

Public  balls  of  the  past 74 

Public  hangings  in  the  past 78 

Public  schools 72 

Pullen  Park 96 

Pullen,  Richard  Stanhope 59 

B. 

Raboteau,  John  S 52 

Railroads  in  the  past 89 

Raleigh  Academy .__  67 

Raleigh, addresson  early  history  of-  1 
Raleigh  Centennial,  Board  of  Man- 
agers of 106 

Raleigh,  growth  of  the  city  ot 45 

Raleigh,  improvements  in 91 

"Raleigh  Minerva  "  55 

"  Raleigh  Register"  _  5.5 

Raleigh,  Sir  Walter 29 

Raleigh,  social  life  of  early  city  of-  72 

"Raleigh  Star"  60 

"  Raleigh  Wasp  " 88 

Raleigh  Volunteer  Guards 85 

Ravenscroft,  Bishop  John  Stark—-  66 

Rayner,  Hon.  Kenneth—  50 

Reeder,  F  H 82 

Resolution  of  Board  of  Managers—  3 
Resolution  of  Committee  of  Publi- 
cation    5 

Rex  Spring 85 

Robards.  William 35 

Rocky  Branch,  navigability  of 16 

Rogers,   Allen 68 

Rogers.  Ethelred 22 

Rogers,  John 44 

Rogers.  Michael 22 

Royster,  David  59 

Royster,  David  L.  59 

Royster,  James  D 60 

Ruffin,  Capt.  John  S 87 

Rutherford,  Griffith 19 

S. 

Saint  Margaret,  Parish  of 11 

Sanders,  Hardy 11 

Sanderson,  Col.  Richard 13 

Saunders,  Romulus  M. . 32 

Schools    99 

Seat  of  government  at  Newbern 13 

Seat  of  government  of  North  Caro- 
lina in  colonial  days  12 

Seaton,  William  W. 55 


PAGE. 

Seawell,  Henry 56 

Services  at  the  churches 114 

Shaw,  Matthew 61 

Shaw,  William 64 

Silver  Gray  Corps 48 

Smedes,  Rev.  Dr.  Aldert 70 

Smith,  Benjamin 33 

Smith,  Richard  — .^ 69 

Social  life  of  earlj-  city  of  Raleigh—  72 

Spaight,  Gov.  Richard  Dobbs 36 

State  Bank  of  North  Carolina _  62 

State  House,  the  first  built 36 

State  House,  burning  of  the 37 

Stewart,  John 60 

St.  Mary's  School 70 

Stone,  David ...   33 

Subscription  Assembly 75 

Suburbs,  the 104 

Sugg,  Joshua 44 

Sumner,  Frank 47 

Sumner,  Gen.  Jethro 26 

Sumner,  Thomas  E 33 

Swain,  Gov.  David  L 32 

T. 

Taylor,  John  Lewis 66 

Telegraphs 100 

"Ten  Mile  Limit"  for  permanent 

capital 15 

"Tippecanoe,   log  cabin  and  hard 

cider"  celebration  of  1840 90 

Tobacco  market 102 

"Tornado,"  the  old 125 

Town.   Ithiel  41 

Township,  Macadamized  roads  in_  97 

Tryon,  Governor  William 9 

Tryon's  Palace  10 

Tucker,  Major  Rufus  S 58 

Tucker,  Ruffin 58 

Tucker,  William  C.    58 

Tucker,  William  H.  H 58 

Turner,  Simon 68 

Turner,  Rev.  William— 64 

U. 

Union  Square 24 

V. 

Vasseur,  M.  Le 87^ 

W. 

Wade.  Gen.  Thomas 18 

Wake  court-house 12 

Wake.  Esther 10 

Wake,  the  county  of.  formed 9 

Water-works  of  the  city  in  1815 48 

Wheaton,  Sterling 61 

Whitaker.  Wesley 60 

Whit€.  William 52 

Wiatt.  Col.  W.  T.  C 86 

Wiatt's  Infantry 84 

Williams,  Gen.  Robert 60 

"  William's,  the  five" 57 

"Williams,  the  venerable  Judge"..  19 

Willis.  John  19 

Winslow.  John  35 

Wilson,  Rev.  Alexander 70 

Winston,  Joseph 18 

Winston,  President  G.  T.,  Colum- 
bian address  of 120 

Y. 

Yancey,  Sterling 52 


